When I see runners heading to the dirt for the first time, I usually wait a race.  It has been my usual play to watch a good effort, and then look back for the return. The Gotham changed all of that for me.

I Want Revenge came to “The Big Apple” after running on the So. Cal synthetic surfaces. A young Joe Talamo flies East for one mount. Jeff Mullins who doesn’t come this way much, and likes to keep the tan working year round. All of this, and I still liked him.

For this G-3 race, $250k was on the line and this runner came ready. Early on in the race, he pressed the favorite Mr. Fantasy all the way around the hoop. Haynesfield was not to be in the mix on this day, and at the top of the lane, I Want Revenge put away Mr. Fantasy easily to win by 8 1/2 lengths.

I liked this runner and was not disappointed. Joe Talamo said, “that some runners like the dirt leaving the synthetics, and some just don’t.” Now, who better to hear this from?

After all said and done, the race was won, and I Want Revenge is a legitimate contender coming back for the G-1 Wood Memorial on April 4th. But only one question remains for me about this fine young lad. How good is Pioneer of the Nile, and will he take to the dirt? Only time will tell, and I can’t wait….