Vekoma's funky stride prevails in Blue Grass Stakes 2019
Vekoma doesn’t have the prettiest stride, but he makes it work. And because of that, he’s on to Churchill Downs as a 2019 Kentucky Derby contender after taking Saturday’s Grade 2, $1 million Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland.
The George Weaver-trained Candy Ride colt, with his odd action but obvious talent, pressed Somelikeithotbrown into submission, sticking a nose in front through the turn before going on to prevail by 3 1/2 lengths.
"He's so talented," Weaver said. "He's done things in the morning for me that -- I haven't really had a colt like this the whole time I've trained. Nothing would surprise me. If he comes out of it well, we'll be in Louisville and see what happens."
His final time under jockey Javier Castellano was 1:50.93 for nine furlongs as Win Win Win ran on to nip Signalman for the place spot.
All three of those could progress to Churchill Downs given the Blue Grass’ massive qualifying points payout of 100-40-20-10 to the Top 4 finishers. Somelikeithotbrown held on for fourth in the full field of 14.
“I don’t think we necessarily have to talk about distance being a limitation for him anymore," said Michael Trombetta, who trains Win Win Win. "This was only his second start around two turns and he’s really starting to figure it out. Maybe the 1 1/4 miles in the Derby will be perfect for him.”
"At the first turn, I realized I didn't want to dictate the pace," Castellano said. "The inside horse, he hustled a little bit...I tried to ride a smart race. I didn't want to be aggressive in the beginning."
They continued to lock step through the far turn before Vekoma stuck a head in front, then cruised down the lane, legs kicking in some wrong directions — but mainly propelling him forward.
The victory represented a rebound from third in Gulfstream Park’s Fountian of Youth (G2), which Weaver used as a season opener. Going back to his 2-year-old campaign, R. A. Hill and Gatsas Stable's Vekoma went 2-for-2 with a win in the Nashua (G3).
Weaver and company shut him down from there, knowing the May foal had some growing to do, and a big goal of making the Kentucky Derby.
"I'm pretty tore up," in a good way, said Weaver, a Kentucky native who also saddled Tencendur for a 17th-place finish in the 2015 Derby. This time, he has a much better shot at contending.
"I'm excited. I'm so happy for Randy and Mike, the owners. I have family here. I grew up in Kentucky. Came to the Blue Grass when I was a kid every year, so winning this race is very special."