The Vanderbilt Handicap – Grade II
6 Furlongs Dirt Stake Purse $400.000 Open 4 Year Olds And Up.

1st Creepy Romantic Maxmillion Farm Jimenez A

Ahhhh, the old bottom weight in a handicap strikes again. This four-year-old that had spent a while in the wilderness after being bought for $150.000 after a win in the Gander and a fair crack at the SA Derby seems to have finally found the will to win and went back-to-back after 8 races and 16 months without a win. The early pace was torrid, and he settled back a bit before calling on his stamina to take a driving finish. He certainly seems to have turned a corner, but these handicaps can turn up winners that struggle in the same grade without the handicap weights, so only time will tell as to whether he can carry on this good season so far.

2nd Imposing Scenario The Sidley Stud Husbands P

Stalked the very fast early pace and though he looked the winner with a furlong to run, the sixth furlong took its toll on his legs. Another good effort from a sprinter from this yard, they certainly seem to be firing. Yet to win this year, but he does hold a record of four dead heats in a row and very nearly made it five today.

3rd Everest Mo Mentum Farm Franco M

Last year’s winner with the same weight in about the same race time, he just couldn’t get to them today but still ran a cracker to be third. He has come a long way since changing trainers, and I am pretty sure he has a few more wins in his legs.

4th On Schedule Mb Stables Gaffalione T

Went back from the wide draw and flew home but it was all over by the time he got into a challenging position. He could well be the hard luck story here and even now he is reaching the veteran stage; I think he can find some black type before the end of the year.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES