Vyjack launches season in Wickerr Stakes
DEL MAR, Calif. – For his first start of 2017, the multiple stakes winner Vyjack was being considered for Saturday’s Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf or Sunday’s $75,000 Wickerr Stakes at a mile on turf, both at Del Mar.
Trainer Phil D’Amato said he chose the shorter race in the hope that Vyjack will return to the graded-stakes form he showed in 2016. The main goal for the summer is the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile on turf Aug. 20, D’Amato said.
“I think the mile prep vs. a mile and an eighth will be better for him first time out,” D’Amato said. “He’s trained well. I think he’s in the right spot.”
Vyjack is part of a solid field of seven in the Wickerr that includes Blackjackcat, Dalmore, and Perfectly Majestic, who have been second or third in graded stakes this year. Dalmore has been gelded since a fifth in the Grade 3 All American Stakes at Golden Gate Fields in May.
Also in the race is Calculator, who won an optional claimer for turf sprinters at Santa Anita on July 3.
Street Lad will have his turf debut after finishing a close fourth in the All American Stakes. Prime Attraction will be a longshot in his turf debut after losses in graded stakes on dirt in the spring.
:: First time ever! Get Del Mar Clocker Reports for the 2017 summer meet
KEY CONTENDERS
Vyjack, by Into Mischief
Last 3 Beyers: 100-80-107
◗ Vyjack’s 2016 campaign was highlighted by a win in the Grade 2 City of Hope Mile on turf at Santa Anita last October. Vyjack finished seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita in November and was second by a head in the Grade 2 Seabiscuit Handicap on turf at Del Mar later in the month.
◗ Owned by Pick Six Racing, Vyjack was sidelined over the winter.
“He had a minor soft-tissue issue,” D’Amato said. “He’s a gelding, and we wanted to give him plenty of time.”
Calculator, by In Summation
Last 3 Beyers: 100-87-83
◗ Calculator has won two turf sprints this year but was 11th in the Grade 1 Maker’s 46 Mile on turf at Keeneland on April 14. The Wickerr will determine whether Calculator will be considered for the Del Mar Mile.
“He’s got to run well and show he belongs,” trainer Peter Miller said. “He should get behind the speed and be third or fourth.”
Perfectly Majestic, by Majesticperfection
Last 3 Beyers: 93-97-102
◗ Perfectly Majestic was beaten a nose in the Joe Hernandez Stakes for turf sprinters at Santa Anita in March and was third to Calculator in an optional claimer at Santa Anita on July 3.
◗ Perfectly Majestic has never been worse than third in seven starts on turf at Del Mar.
“I love him, but he doesn’t win a ton,” trainer Bob Hess Jr. said. “I don’t know if he’s an overachiever who gets beats noses and heads or he hangs a bit when he gets to the front.”