Avery Island emerges for McLaughlin in 2017 Nashua Stakes
Consider Avery Island a name to know on the 2018 Kentucky Derby trail after the colt’s front-running victory Sunday in the Grade 2, $200,000 Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct.
The Nashua, while not a points-paying Kentucky Derby prep, is a step along the New York trail that continues later this month with the Grade 2 Remsen.
Avery Island broke alertly, settled under a tight hold by jockey Joe Bravo and rolled in the stretch, turning back a challenge from 4-5 favorite Avenue Malcainu, who existed off a try at the Grade 1 Champagne at Belmont. The final margin was 4 3/4 lengths.
"It's always exciting to have 2-year-olds coming around," Bravo said. "If you look at this horse, he's big and he's just going to keep growing into himself. I have some high expectations.
Super Sermon got up to beat Aveenu Malcainu for the place.
Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin and campaigned by Godolphin Racing, Avery Island is a 2-year-old son of 2007 Derby winner Street Sense. He finished the mile in a final time of 1:37.58 after going the half in 47 seconds flat.
Sunday’s victory was his second straight after an off-the-board finish in his Saratoga debut.
"It was a great race for only his third start," McLaughlin said. "Joe Bravo did a great job. He was pressured early and then he kind of drew off late. We're tickled to death. He's a nice horse. We'll look at the Remsen back in four weeks."
McLaughlin notably used the Nashua as a prep in 2015 for Mohaymen, who went on to be one of the top betting choices on the first Saturday in May, as well as Cairo Prince, who won the Grade 2 Holy Bull at age 3 before retired due to injury.
By Jonathan Lintner