New York Central, a highly promising son of Tapit, will officially embark on the road to the Kentucky Derby in the Grade III, $800,000, Sunland Derby on Sunday. With 50 Kentucky Derby points going to the victor, a win in the 1 1/8 mile event will ensure a spot in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May.
A deep and contentious field of 12 will assemble to battle it out in the Sunland Derby. It will be the stakes debut for New York Central, and although many of his rivals in the race have more experience, New York Central is a formidable contender that you don't want to overlook. This big, strapping, gray colt has never run a bad race, and has displayed unwavering determination and versatility throughout his career.
New York Central made his first start at the age of two, going 6 1/2 furlongs at Churchill Downs. He ran a solid third that day, but it would be his next start that would really turn some heads. On November 26, New York Central entered a six furlong dash under the Twin Spires. He stalked the pace for the majority of the race, and made an unforgiving move once the field hit the stretch. With a decisive kick of his legs, New York Central exploded forward and swept by the leader without any resistance. As the stretch unfolded, New York Central began to find more speed and strength with every stride. He began blasting away from his rivals until he found himself all alone on the lead. He couldn't have looked any more spectacular as he romped over the wire by 7 1/4 lengths. The clock stopped in a scorching time of 1:09.66, an impressive time for any horse, let alone a two-year-old.
After his impressive victory at Churchill Downs, New York Central set off to Oaklawn Park to start his three-year-old season. He stretched out to a mile in his seasonal debut, but after a wide trip, he had to settle for second behind Higher Power. Unabashed, New York Central shook off his defeat and went right back to work. In February, he stretched out in distance once again, entering a 1 1/16 mile allowance race at Oaklawn Park. Rain had left the track a swamp of mud, but Mother Nature's added obstacle wasn't enough to deter New York Central. He shot out of the gate like a rocket and brazenly charged to the lead. New York Central dauntlessly flashed his speed around the track as he splashed around the oval. When he hit the stretch, he received unwelcome company from Transgress, who latched onto his throat and refused to back away. The fight was on as the determined pair made their mad dash for the wire. Transgress was not backing off, but New York Central was equally determined. As the battle raged, Transgress began to get the better of New York Central. He began steadily inching clear, but right when it looked like New York Central was done for, he found more. Remarkably, New York Central found more strength deep within, and thrust his head back in front. Securely back in command, New York Central made a beeline for the wire, running for all he's worth. No matter how hard Transgress tried, he couldn't wear him down. The pair hit the wire together, with New York Central pounding over the line by a courageous neck.
To date, New York Central has shown the ability to win by stalking the pace and by setting the pace. That versatility alone gives him a distinct advantage. Not to mention, his ability to win on a fast track or a wet track also makes him a reliable contender, since he seems to handle every challenge thrown at him with grace and determination. The grit and tenacity that he displayed in his last start is a feature that not all thoroughbreds have. To be passed in the stretch and then still find the valor and the strength to fight back and win is an astonishing feat that proves that this horse has the will and the heart to win, regardless of what gets thrown at him.
New York Central's gallant attitude isn't the only thing that this colt has going for him. He also carries class on both sides of his pedigree. This colt has been on my radar ever since he went through the sales ring at the 2016, Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling Sale. New York Central is by leading sire Tapit, and is out of the Forest Wildcat mare, Fashion Cat. Fashion Cat is the dam of 2013, Saratoga Special winner Corfu, as well as Runway Ready, the stakes-placed daughter of Mr. Greeley. But it wasn't just what Fashion Cat produced that I found impressive. Fashion Cat's dam, Hold To Fashion, is the dam of multiple graded stakes winner and third place finisher in the 2003 Kentucky Derby, Peace Rules. The black type continues with Hold To Fashion's other stakes winners, Wild Fashion, Prince of Windsor, and Never Gone South.
With the talent, pedigree, versatility, and courage that New York Central clearly possesses, it is safe to say that he is a very live contender in the Sunland Derby. This colt has looked very promising form the start, and soon we will finally get to see what he's truly made of. Perhaps his determination will carry him to victory once more, and thrust him into the starting gate for the first Saturday in May.
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