We have been afforded plenty of times of late to revel in the success of that wonderful Vinery veteran More Than Ready (USA).
Seven days after his son Funfair captured the Grade 1 United Nations Stakes on the turf at Monmouth Park, it was the turn of the Jonathan Thomas-trained Catholic Boy to add to the legend of More Than Ready (USA) when he ground out a determined head win over his old foe Analyze It in the $1,000,000 Grade 1 Belmont Derby.
It was the same result as when the two met in the Grade III Pennine Ridge Stakes on June 2.
"He is such an amazing animal. His heart is huge. It's immeasurable," part-owner Robert LaPenta told The Blood-Horse.
"It's beyond comprehension that he came back to win again. I'm sure 99 out of 100 horses would have packed it in (during) the stretch (run)."
The three-year-old colt becomes the 23rd winner at the highest level for his well-travelled sire.
A return to the main track could the $1.25 million Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course on August 25 is under consideration
"We'll see what (trainer Jonathan Thomas) says," LaPenta said.
"If all goes well from here, the Travers is probably next."
Catholic Boy won the Grade II Remsen Stakes on the dirt at Aqueduct.
With his first Grade 1 win in the bag, Catholic Boy advances his record to 5 wins and 1 second from 8 starts with earnings of $1,172,000.
A $170,000 buyback at the 2016 Keeneland January Yearling Sale, Catholic Boy is the best of two winners out of the Bernardini mare Song Of Bernadette who is a half-sister to stakes winners Return to Paradise (El Prado) and Coya (Deputy Minister).
More Than Ready (USA) will stand the 2018 season at Vinery Stud for a fee of $66,000.
