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| Staff Writer |
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Cyclone State powered to a dominant victory in Thursday's US$150,000 Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct, securing valuable Kentucky Derby points whilst maintaining his perfect record at the one-turn mile.
The Chad Summers-trained bay, displaying his now trademark front-running style under Luis Rivera Jr., stretched clear in the straight before idling late to record a comfortable 3 1/2-length success over Omaha Omaha in 1:40.82.
"He's doing good. He stepped on my foot but otherwise he's doing good," Summers reported with a laugh, reflecting on his charge's performance. The progressive 3YO has made steady progress through the ranks, graduating from maiden special weight company in November before claiming an optional claimer in December.
Connections are now weighing up an ambitious tilt at the US$1.5 million Gr.3 Saudi Derby at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on February 22, while the local US$300,000 Gr.3 Gotham Stakes on March 1 remains firmly in the picture.
"I would think the Saudi Derby is a possibility. He's got 10 points towards the Kentucky Derby, and it is always everybody's dream to head that way," Summers explained. The US$250,000 Gr.3 Withers Stakes on February 1 appears less likely given the step up in trip.
The son of McKinzie, who was purchased for US$70,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, hails from the family of grade three-placed Chanel's Legacy. His latest success suggests there could be more improvement to come, with Summers noting: "The fact that he wants to re-engage once he hears the footsteps, it is OK. We don't feel like he's tired, with added distance, we think he'll stretch out and be OK."
Bred in Iowa by H. Allen Poindexter, Cyclone State races for the partnership of Gold Square, George Messina and Michael Lee, having now won three consecutive races over the Aqueduct mile.