LEXINGTON, KY – William Lawrence’s Analyze It showed no signs whatsoever of rust, making a powerful move off of the far turn to completely dominate the field in Friday’s Grade 3, $150,000 Kentucky Utilities Transylvania Stakes at Keeneland.
Off well as the 4-5 favorite under Jose Ortiz in his first start since late November, Analyze It settled in hand off the pace while Beer Pressure posted splits of :24.30, :48.83, and 1:15.21. Coming under a ride in the far turn, Analyze It broke free at the top of the stretch with a 2-length lead and drew off considerably in the stretch, crossing in a widening 5 1/4-length lead in a final time of 1:45.60 for the 1 1/16-mile turf event.
“Chad drew (a plan) perfect for me,” explained Ortiz. “He said hopefully two or three horses would go, and you can sit tight, third or fourth. And that’s what I did. (Analyze It) relaxed very well. The fast pace helped me a lot. When I asked him to go, he went so well, so smooth. He’s a really, really nice horse.”
Several foes were bunched together behind him. Captivating Moon took second by a nose over Admiralty Pier, with Dragon Drew in fourth, 3/4 of a length past Maraud. A neck back came Tigers Rule in sixth, with a head further back to Funny Duck in seventh. Golden Dragon, King Valero, Tap Daddy, and Beer Pressure completed the order of finish. Determinant was scratched in order to run in Saturday’s Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes.
Analyze It remains perfect in his young career, with three wins in as many starts. The 3-year-old son of Point of Entry increased his career bankroll to $195,000, allowing Brown to set his sights on much bigger events for the summer.
“The (Grade 1) Belmont Derby is right at our home track (on July 7),” Brown said. “It’s worth a lot of money ($1.2 million). I think this horse will love a mile and 1/4. It’s going to be hard to make me move from that plan, but with a great racehorse, all options are on the table.”
Analyze It returned $3.60 to win, $2.80 to place, and $2.40 to show. Captivating Moon brought back $5.80 to place and $4.20 to show, while Admiralty Pier paid $5.40 to show.
