He was the hot topic of discussion among NYRA analysts Richard Migliore, Maggie Wolfendale, Rick Schosberg and Jonathan Kinchen before his maiden special weight going six furlongs on Aqueduct’s outer turf course today. And Stone Farm-bred and owned WAR FIGHTER lived up to the hype.

Now 4, the dark bay colt by War Front from the Maria’s Mon mare Chatham was making just his second career start and was coming back from an 11-month layoff. He was fourth in his debut, also at Aqueduct, on November 20, 2021.

Schosberg pointed out that War Fighter was “really touting himself” in the warmup, adding right after the race that “Graham really had him dialed in today.”

War Fighter was quick from the break under Manny Franco, going straight to the lead and staying there with no rival getting close enough to challenge. It was a hand-ride as they crossed the wire 6 1/4 lengths in front, with Manny eventually needing a bit of an assist from the outrider to pull up! The final time was a sharp 1:07.43.

It’s always fun to see the storied gray and yellow colors of Sunday Silence in the winner’s circle. Hats off to Arthur Hancock and the entire Stone Farm team!