Apprentice Vandyke is No Lightweight

On the surface, judging by name, one might think Drayden VanDyke just stepped off the canvas of a Rembrandt painting, or arrived from an overseas port of call like The Netherlands.

Not so. The 19-year-old apprentice jockey, who won his fourth career race Thursday and benefits from a 10-pound weight allowance until he wins No. 5, at which time he adds three pounds, is American born and raised.

He’s a bit fuzzy on his genealogical tree, however.

“I was born in Louisville but raised in Hot Springs,” VanDyke said after piloting Horse Laugh to a come-from-behind, 2 ¼-length victory for owner Lathrop Hoffman and trainer Jerry Fanning in yesterday’s second race. Horse Laugh carried 110 pounds, getting 10 from 11-10 favorite Maximinus, who ran second.

“I’ve been around the track for two years, but only riding for about four months,” said VanDyke, who is represented by first-time agent Sarah Wolfe. “My dad (Seth) was a rider. Now he gallops for Dale Romans.”

VanDyke weighs a Shoemakerish 103 pounds and tacks 106, certainly a plus with horsemen looking for a spread on the scale.

“He’s a nice kid and he can ride,” Fanning said. “And he can do the weight.”