By J.N. Campbell
The Dutch imprint goes much deeper than archeological digs, as it is woven into the cultural and political history of the Empire State. New Netherland was never fully wiped from New York's cartographic DNA after the English won a series of 17th-century conflicts that resulted in the region's changing its national standard.
The GII Amsterdam S., to be run at Saratoga Race Course this Friday, is a nod not only to the nearby New York town of the same name, but that important Dutch heritage. Formerly the Screen King S., the race is a graded stop for 3-year-old sprinters who are looking to elevate their game in a tough division.
Heading into the GI Woody Stephens S. in June, Drew's Gold (Violence) ticked all the boxes in three starts winning an optional claimer at Laurel Park, the Jimmy Winkfield S. at Aqueduct and the Gold Fever S. at Belmont Park by a combined 12 3/4 lengths. Posting a Beyer Speed Figure of 106 in his first Grade I start while second to 'TDN Rising Star' Arabian Lion (Justify) reflects promise in defeat. He will line up here against Gilmore (Twirling Candy), who was third in both the GII Pat Day Mile S. on the Derby undercard and in the Woody Stephens.
Trainer Steve Asmussen has six Amsterdam trophies to his credit, including the last three editions. He will enter Ryvit (Competitive Edge), who comes in riding a five-race winning streak which includes a victory on the Preakness undercard in the GIII Chick Lang S. Others that are looking to make their mark in the six-horse field include the undefeated New York Thunder (Nyquist), who was last seen earning his first black-type victory in the Woodstock S. at Woodbine in late April; Deer District (Oscar Performance), an optional claimer winner at Churchill Downs May 28; and Joey Freshwater (Jimmy Creed), who has faced a number of stakes class tests this year for trainer Linda Rice.
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