$150,000 California Derby
Golden Gate 1 1/16m
When Yankee Bravo exploded through the tiniest of holes to fearlessly take the Eddie Logan Stakes in December over the Hollywood Park turf, he tabbed himself as a major 3-year-old to watch in California. Saturday, he cemented that reputation with a dazzling performance in the $150,000 California Derby at Golden Gate, and in doing so, placed himself firmly on the Kentucky Derby trail. Undefeated now in three lifetime starts, Yankee Bravo has made every effort a memorable one; breaking his maiden by an eye-popping six lengths in his debut in England, showing a masterful turn of foot in the Eddie Logan, and, Saturday, showing he could overcome a nightmare trip behind a full field and still find a way to win. Breaking a couple strides slow, Yankee Bravo was last going into the first turn on Saturday, and was at the mercy of the pedestrian fractions up front as the pacesetters crawled through a half in 49 and change. Unhurried behind a wall of horses, jockey Alex Solis kept his mount on the rail and let his natural speed keep him close enough to be able to hit the hole if one was to open. As they hit the stretch, Yankee Bravo did just that and within a few seconds had rushed to the lead and left no doubt as to who would get to the wire first. This monster performance going two turns over the synthetic surface gives every indication that Yankee Bravo is sitting on a very exciting sophomore campaign indeed!
Congratulations to all his connections and best of luck with this very exciting colt!
