From both a visual and speed figure perspective, the performance of the weekend was Eskendereya running away from the field at Gulfstream Park. Buddy’s Saint certainly has an excuse for his poor performance as he got bumped and pinched pretty badly as the field went into the first turn. Without that trouble would he have won? Seems unlikely considering how good Eskendereya looked during his stretch drive, but he probably would have finished better than 9th. Runner-up Jackson Bend ran another solid race, although he never threatened the winner for the top spot.

Eskendereya, who figures to move way up in the Kentucky Derby rankings, has now won three of five races with one second. He more than doubled his career earnings to $275,700 with the winning purse of $150,000.

Sent off as the third choice, Eskendereya paid $9.80, $4.20 and $3 while topping a $35.20 exacta. Jackson Bend, second in the Holy Bull (gr. III) at Gulfstream to begin his season Jan. 23 for trainer Nick Zito, returned $3.60 and $2.10. Aikenite, also from the Pletcher stable, was $3.60 to show.