Golden Yank cruises in Zia Derby

Golden Yank bagged his second straight derby win on Saturday when he powered home by 6 3/4 lengths in the $150,000 Zia Derby at Zia Park in Hobbs, N.M. Por Que held second in the 1 1/16-mile race, finishing a neck in front of third-place finisher Numismatist.

Golden Yank, who came into the Zia Derby off a clear win in the $350,000 Oklahoma Derby, was content to race in sixth early on Saturday as Red Sky Dubai, the lone speed after the scratch of Gambling Mister, was clear through an opening quarter in 23.20 seconds and a half in 47.60. Por Que took over through six furlongs in 1:12.20, but in the lane could not contain Golden Yank, who went on to cover the distance in 1:43.

"Red Sky Dubai was the only speed in the race and he hadn't shown that he wanted two turns," said Jamie Theriot, who rode Golden Yank. "I decided to just ride my horse, and if [Red Sky Dubai] comes back, he comes back. I had the best horse and rode him like he was the best horse."

Gary Thomas trains Golden Yank for his owner-breeder, the Millard R. Seldin Revocable Trust. He said the horse, who shipped in from Remington Park, would be based next at Oaklawn. The Zia Derby was Golden Yank's fourth career stakes win. He has now won 5 of 13 starts and $668,616, and is a son of Yankee Gentleman.