Scipion, Half-Brother to Vindication, Wins Debut

Scipion, a half-brother to 2002 2-year-old champion Vindication who was sold for $1.9 million, won his debut race Saturday with an impressive come-from-behind effort at Saratoga Race Course.

The 4-5 favorite, ridden by Javier Castellano, raced greenly, even appearing to briefly pull up on the turn as he trailed the field. But he launched an impressive rally on the outside in the stretch to win the $45,000 maiden special weight event by three-quarters of a length over Royal Sultan. The final seven-furlong time was 1:24 3/5 over a good track.

Trained by Patrick Biancone for owner Virginia Kraft Payson, Scipion is a Kentucky-bred son of A.P. Indy out of the dam Strawberry Reason (by Strawberry Road).

(Chart, Equibase)