Vekoma eyes Remsen off Nashua score

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Vekoma earned a 99 Beyer Speed Figure for his 1 3/4-length victory in Sunday’s Grade 3 Nashua Stakes, the highest figure earned by a 2-year-old so far this year.

He also likely earned himself a spot in the Grade 2, $250,000 Remsen Stakes here on Dec. 1.

“The Remsen is a natural kind of target,” trainer George Weaver said Monday. “He handled the track well. It’s something we’ll be looking at. We also want to keep in mind that he’s a May baby – keep everything in perspective, try not to squeeze the lemon dry before we have to. But, I’m a big believer in running horses when they’re doing good. If he’s doing well, we’ll be looking at the Remsen.”

Weaver was not surprised by the performance of Vekoma, who despite lugging in a step in the stretch while jockey Manny Franco tried to get him to change to his correct lead easily turned aside Network Effect. It was seven lengths back to Call Paul in third.

“I was excited about this horse before we ran him the first time,” Weaver said.

The Remsen has the potential to be a super race. Maximus Mischief, who has been sensational at Parx winning his first two starts, is targeting the Remsen.

Code of Honor, who was scratched from Friday’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile due to a temperature, returned to New York on Monday and will be pointed to the Remsen provided he has no further setbacks, trainer Shug McGaughey said.