Ted Noffey Shines Bright in the Hopeful

Spendthrift Farm’s colt triumphed at Saratoga with an impressive 8 1/2-length victory, emerging as one of the top prospects of his generation.

Ted Noffey Was Unstoppable in the Hopeful / ADAM COGLIANESE / NYRA

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).- With a name born from a charming spelling error but performances that leave no doubt, Ted Noffey emerged as the new standout of his generation, asserting total authority in the GI Spendthrift Farm Hopeful Stakes at 7 furlongs on Saratoga’s dirt.

The Spendthrift Farm colt, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velázquez, displayed his immense class, drawing off to an 8 1/2-length victory in 1:22.35. A son of Spendthrift’s star stallion Into Mischief, Ted Noffey’s win was particularly special for the farm, as the race was sponsored by Spendthrift itself.

“The Hopeful is a very important and prestigious race. To win it with an Into Mischief colt—and for Spendthrift—is phenomenal,” said a satisfied Pletcher, who notched his fifth career win in the event, joining names like Forte (Violence, 2022) and Shanghai Bobby (Harlan’s Holiday, 2012).

Following a successful debut on August 2 at Saratoga, Ted Noffey took a major step forward in his second start. Quick from the outside post, he settled in second behind Soldier N Diplomat (Army Mule) and, without needing to be asked, surged past in the stretch to draw off with authority.

“I showed him the whip and he got serious immediately,” said Velázquez. “He’s learned a lot since his debut. He’s a very smart and professional colt.”

Pletcher indicated that the next target could be the GI Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland on October 4, over 1 1/16 miles. “Keeneland seems like a logical next step. Today he showed everything we hoped to see: he moved comfortably, finished strongly, and galloped out well.”

Bred in Kentucky by Aaron and Marie Jones, Ted Noffey is out of Streak of Luck (Old Fashioned), a multiple G2-placed mare. Purchased for $650,000 at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, he boosted his earnings by $165,000 with this victory, bringing his career total to $195,000.