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Vitement comes out on top in Churchill’s first baby race of the season (Coady Photography)
Churchill Downs, Race 2 – 05/03/2023
By 2YO EdgeMan
CD2:050323 – Even when they got inside the 1/16th pole, I thought that my pick – #8 Sonofaship – was going to run down the eventual victor – FTS #7 Vitement – by he was unable to do so. Both colts broke well and went right to the front with Vitement clinging to a slim lead throughout. Rey Gutierrez was simply on top of the better horse today and he returned a strong $16.64 to his backers holding $2W tickets as he knocked out the 4 ½ furlong event in 52.28 seconds (86 EBSF). Trainer John Hancock got his picture taken in the Winner’s Circle for the second time in 12 two-year-old MSW race attempts in the spring at CD going back to 2018 (his other win was also with a FTS back in May 2020).
Learnings – We knew that our pick would almost certainly go off as the favorite, but even money was awfully short. The winner was 10/1 on the M/L and was sent off at 7/1, so he was somewhat warm on the board, however, other than some solid workouts at KEE at a half mile and a pretty good overall springtime 2YO trainer, there really wasn’t a whole lot to get excited about this guy.
Am I disappointed? Definitely. Am I hanging my head? Absolutely not! There is nothing easy about these juvenile events, but that’s what makes it so fun. We’ll keep digging and keep learning and we are thrilled that you are with us every step of the way, my wonderful Edgies.
As mentioned yesterday, Belmont’s first two-year-old race of the year tomorrow is a bit of a stinker, drawing a very short field. Also, there will be a 2YO stakes race at CD tomorrow and additionally a 2YO Maiden Special at Gulfstream both Thursday and Friday. We are going to spend our time doing more prep work for CD and BEL as they are sure to host a few good baby races next week. In the meantime, take care, be safe and enjoy The Derby.
