—Mar 10— City of Light was in top form in his debut on Saturday. Rushed from the gate by jockey Drayden Van Dyke, City of Light never trailed and was only briefly challenged by Roy H before reaching the stretch. He drew away to a three-and-a-half length win.
“My horse was a bit keener the first three-sixteenths of a mile than I expected,” said trainer, Michael McCarthy. “Drayden dropped his hands coming to the half-mile pole, the horse seemed to settle for him and he picked him up coming to the lane.”
Van Dyke, who earned his fifth win of the year with the victory, was grateful for the mount. “He’s just a neat horse and he’s so kind. I’m very thankful to be on him,” he said.
Roy H, who’d won the Grade 2 Palos Verdes Stakes in early February as the 1/5 favorite, was forwardly placed in the Triple Bend and had no excuses.
Bobby Abu Dhabi, with Victor Espinoza up, was third, a neck in front of Catalina Cruiser.
“Big performance for him today and I am just happy with the way he ran. Hopefully he’ll come back and win,” Espinoza said.
Edwards Going Left finished fifth after briefly showing speed.
Captain Scott, who entered the race after finishing fourth in an allowance race at 9 furlongs, was last, beaten fourteen-and-a-quarter lengths.
Retro Horse Racing Game 