Chestertown starts living up to his $2 million price tag

Chestertown, a New York-bred son of Tapit who brought $2 million at the OBS March auction, will likely be heading out of town for the winter following his maiden victory Sunday at Aqueduct.

Chestertown, trained by Steve Asmussen for an ownership group that includes West Point Thoroughbreds, earned a 71 Beyer Speed Figure for his 2 3/4-length victory over a sealed main track labeled good. Chestertown was four wide under Irad Ortiz Jr. and pulled away in the final furlong as he covered the one mile in 1:37.56.

Terry Finley, president of West Point Thoroughbreds, said that most of Asmussen’s 2-year-olds are based at Fair Grounds and that is where Chestertown could be headed. Finley said a decision on that likely won’t be made until after the horse goes back to the track this week at Belmont and after all partners and Asmussen discuss things further.

“We’re going to get on a conference call later this week and Steve’s going to lay out his plans,” Finley said Monday.

Chestertown finished third going six furlongs at Belmont in his debut. Sunday, Chestertown got to stretch out to a one-turn mile and the way he finished gave every indication that he wants more ground, something Ortiz made a point to tell the partners after the race.

“Irad said he was a little green but he must have said three or four times the longer the better,” Finley said. “When you have one of the top riders in the world get off your horse and tell you that, it gives you a reason to think there’s some good things in the future for a horse like this.”

Chestertown is by Tapit out of the Grade 1-winning mare Artemis Agrotera, who was campaigned by Chester and Mary Broman. The Bromans bred Chestertown and are part owners of the colt along with Rob Masiello, Woodford Racing and Sienna Farm.