Courtesy of DRF

http://www.drf.com/news/article/83961.html

It is unlikely he will have an impact on this year's Triple Crown, but a 3-year-old worth keeping an eye on is Vitruvius, who won a first-level allowance race by 3 3/4 lengths here on Wednesday.

After winning his debut in gate-to-wire fashion at Gulfstream, Vitruvius, a half-brother to graded stakes winner Corinthian by E Dubai, demonstrated the ability to come from off the pace in his allowance win. After breaking slowly under Kent Desormeaux, Vitruvius raced in the second flight behind three speed horses, made a dramatic move toward the leaders leaving the half-mile pole, and struck the front turning for home.

Though he drifted out some in deep stretch, Vitruvius covered the mile in 1:35.36 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 102.

"He rated nice," said Jimmy Jerkens, trainer of Vitruvius. "[Desormeaux] said he almost rated too good. He said he got [off] the bridle and he got a little concerned. That's why he gunned him when he did; he wanted to get him into the race. He had only one start and he was in front all the way. It's a whole different thing being behind horses. He did good. He's got nice acceleration, that's for sure."

Jerkens said he would prefer to take his time with Vitruvius and not rush him back into something like the Grade 3 Withers, a one-turn mile here on April 28. Some options for his next start may include the Barbaro Stakes (formerly the Sir Barton) at Pimlico on May 19, the Peter Pan at Belmont on May 20, or a second-level allowance race.

"There isn't much to him," Jerkens said.

Dr. Steve Carr, the racing manager for Centennial Farms, the owner of Vitruvius, said he would like to point to a summer campaign that includes the Dwyer at Belmont and the Jim Dandy at Saratoga, both in July.

Recap of debut race:

Vitruvius showed many similarities to his older brother Corinthian at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, February 17, defeating maiden special weight company in a performance that has drawn rave reviews from the racing media.

Breaking from an inside post going seven furlongs, the E Dubai colt broke a step slowly before rushing up to secure a half-length lead. He repelled numerous challenges around the turn and was battling for the lead entering the stretch. Briefly headed with an 1/8 of a mile to the finish, he fought back gamely for the victory after getting bumped in deep stretch by the more experienced Fearless Vision to post a half-length win.

Winning as a debut starter going seven-furlongs is quite tricky. This colt was able to accomplish the feat in a special way, and he is certainly a very exciting racehorse to follow as the year progresses.

“He showed the same determination as Corinthian,” said Centennial President Don Little, Jr. “Both of these horses do not want to get passed and will fight hard for the victory. They are special colts and we are enjoying the success.”

Vitruvius was purchased from the Keeneland September Sale as a yearling for $110,000. He received his initial training in Middleburg, Virginia under yearling trainer Paula Parsons. He is currently conditioned by Jimmy Jerkens.

“I remember seeing him gallop last April at the farm party in Middleburg and loved his action. He is a well-built and balanced colt. Paula Parsons and her staff did a great job getting him to the racetrack.”