New York Central likely headed to stakes company

New York Central, who was a TDN Rising Star following his smashing maiden win last Nov. 26, could face stakes horses next time out following his extremely brave victory in a Feb. 19 allowance at Oaklawn Park [WATCH RACE].

The 3-year-old colt, owned by WinStar Farm, China Horse Club and SF Racing LLC, battled the entire 1 1/16-miles with Transgress, winning by a neck on a muddy track just one race after the Southwest S. (G3).

A son of Tapit out of Fashion Cat, New York Central is a half-brother to Saratoga Special (G2) winner Corfu and multiple stakes-placed Runway Ready. Fashion Cat’s half-brother Peace Rules won seven graded stakes, including three Grade Ones, and was third in the Kentucky Derby (G1).

Several stakes options loom on the horizon for the Triple Crown-nominated colt trained by Steve Asmussen, including the march 17 Rebel S. (G2), also at Oaklawn, and the Sunland Derby (G3) on March 25.