Bankit returned to top form at Finger Lakes on July 24, rolling to a 1 1/4 length victory in the $150,000 New York Derby.
Bred in New York by Hidden Brook Farm and Blue Devil Racing, Bankit is the first foal out of Sister in Arms, a winning daughter of Colonel John. The colt by Central Banker was then sold by Hidden Brook at the 2017 Fasig-Tipton New York Bred Preferred auction. He improved his record to 3-3-1 from 12 starts, with $468,625 in earningsWinchell Thoroughbreds and Willis Horton Racing.
Veering to the outside after stumbling at the start, Almendro was quickly hustled up front by Julio Hernandez. Not That Brady made his own move on the rail, and the two came together just off the first turn and set down to duel. Not That Brady managed to lead by a half-length and set fractions of :23.35 and :47.42 for the half-mile.
Exiting the backstretch, Almendro began to tire and dropped back to fourth, allowing Blindwillie McTellthe opportunity to move up and track the leader four wide in the final turn. Bankit, under Eric Cancel, came in hand in the three path and made his own move to the front on the turn, wedging himself between Not That Brady and late challenger Just Right. Blindwillie McTell drew up on even terms with the three runners less than a furlong from the wire, and the four charged home in lockstep.
Bumping briefly with Just Right and an unyielding Not That Brady, Bankit found enough space to squeeze through and take command in the final yards. The final time for the 1 1/16-mile race was 1:45.97.
Also on the rich Finger Lakes card, Elegant Zip, a Hidden Brook Sales graduate of the 2017 Fasig-Tipton October sale, finished 3rd in the New York Oaks. She now a 5-time blacktype earner of $207,019.
– edited from www.bloodhorse.com
