Stanford came out running in Saturday's $1.25 million, Grade II Charles Town Classic and made his early advantage stand up three turns later, winning by 2 lengths over Page McKenney, who shadowed the winner the whole way. Donworth finished third and Imperative was fourth. Stanford, with Javier Castellano up, ran 1 1/8 miles on the fast West Virginia track in 1:50.55. It was the third start of the year for the 4-year-old son of Malibu Moon, following runner-up finishes in the Grade III Fred Hooper Stakes and the Grade II Gulfstream Park Handicap, both at 1 mile. Castellano said the Charles Town Classic was simple. "He broke well and I just enjoyed the ride," he said. The short stretch after three turns, Castellano added, "helps a lot with this kind of horse who has speed." Todd Pletcher trains Stanford for Stonestreet Stables and Coolmore. Pletcher said he has no firm plans for Stanford but will consider the Met Mile in New York.Advertisement