Chasing The Derby: Weekend Review: Vyjack’s Gotham victory, analysis// Key works by Flashback, Goldencents, Verrazano, more// KDFW Pool #2 closes// more…

Gotham Stakes (G3)

Winner (pts): Vyjack (50)

2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): West Hills Giant (20), Elnaawi (10), Siete de Oros (5)

Beyer/BRIS: 93/99

Wrap-ups: NYRA / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF

CTD Analysis: Taking dirt in the early going, swinging wide and racing that way the rest of the race, and unleashing a devastating late kick down the stretch, Vyjack was much the best in Saturday’s Gotham (G3). His journey was all the more impressive considering it was a large field and the pace was also slow. The Beyer and BRIS speed ratings came back a respectable 93/99, but they don’t jump off the page. Some will question Vyjack’s competition, but on paper it was not as weak as some other recent Kentucky Derby points races. The lone graded stakes winner, Overanalyze, was coming off a 4-month layoff after winning the Remsen (G2), and that race continues to not hold up well. Still, others had raced admirably in past graded company and a few like Elnaawi showed promise winning impressive maidens.

Distance did not seem to be an issue for Vyjack visually, although his pedigree on both sides doesn’t shout 10 furlongs. The next challenge in the Wood Memorial (G1) will be a stiff test with the added distance and presence of highly touted Revolutionary.

While Vyjack deservedly gets most of the attention for his victory, there were a couple traffic jams worth mentioning. 2nd place finisher West Hills Giant bore in from the 10 post and closed off the lane for Elnaawi, causing the colt and jockey Channing Hill to leap and alter course. Elnaawi still fought the bit on the backstretch but was able to make a good closing run just inside of Vyjack. The assistant to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin was encouraged with the stakes debut and will train the colt up to the Wood. West Hills Giant will also move on to the Wood, and while the betting public was surprised with his performance the colt’s connections claim he was training forwardly. He did dictate a mild pace, which could be a challenge to repeat farther down the trail.

The beginning of the race was tight for a lot of others, including 4th place Siete de Oros. One of the few who got away with little harm, aside from the winner, was favorite Overanalyze. Jockey John Velazquez had no excuse for his charge’s empty effort other than wondering if perhaps he needed the race. Unfortunately, I think there’s a good chance Overanalyze’s best racing is behind him.

Updated Kentucky Derby Points Standings

Non-points races:

3/3/13

Palm Beach Stakes (G3)

Winner: Rydilluc

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Beyer: 89 (Preliminary)

Wrap-ups: Gulfstream Park / Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

3/2/13

Swale Stakes (G3)

Winner: Clearly Now