SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Smarty Jones’ first graded stakes winner in the United States is, like his famous sire, unbeaten early in his career.

Backtalk overcame obstacles Thursday in his third career start, winning the Grade 2 $150,000 Sanford by a neck at Saratoga Race Course in a photo finish. Backtalk, runner-up Enumerate and third-place finisher Louisvilleluminary, the latter two trained by Steve Asmussen, were maiden winners in Churchill Downs’ spring meeting.

Miguel Mena rode the winner for trainer Tom Amoss, coming six wide off the turn and getting the fast-rated...

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