Stevens Pilots Son of Belong to Me to Jersey Stakes Victory

A Kentucky-bred son of Belong to Me, ridden by Gary Stevens, won Wednesday's first race at Ascot, the Jersey Stakes (Eng-III) for 3-year-olds. Stevens piloted Membership to a 2 1/2-length win over 2-1 favorite Arakan.

Membership, at odds of 20-1, raced in mid-pack through the first half of the seven-furlong test. He made his move with 1 1/2 furlongs to go and had the lead as the field headed for the wire. He completed the race in 1:26.40.

The winner is trained by Clive Brittain for Saeed Manana. Membership had previously placed in six added-money events, but had never won in stakes company. He finished second in the May 31 Cheveley Park Stud King Charles II Stakes at Newmarket in his last start.

Sheikh Mohammed's Darley Stud Management bred Membership in Kentucky from the Diesis mare Shamisen. The colt went through the ring at the 2001 Keeneland September yearling sale as a member of the Voute Sales consignment and was listed as sold to Darley for $35,000. He has made all 16 of his starts for Saeed Manana.