Retribution Proves Sharp and Gritty in $150,000 Chick Lang Stakes Victory at Pimlico

Displaying a potent combination of speed and determination, Retribution, a promising son of freshman sire Vekoma, overcame a wide draw to capture his first stakes victory in the $150,000 Chick Lang Stakes at Pimlico Race Course.

Ridden expertly by Irad Ortiz Jr., the Cherie DeVaux-trained colt powered clear in the stretch to win by 1 ¾ lengths, completing the six-furlong contest in a sharp 1:11.27 over a fast track.

The Chick Lang Stakes, a notable event on the Preakness Stakes undercard, saw a field of eleven 3-year-old sprinters. Breaking from the far outside post 11, Retribution ($20.00) was handled patiently by Ortiz Jr., who allowed the early speed duel to unfold.

One Nine Hundred, the morning-line favorite, and Faster Gator vied for the lead, setting a brisk opening quarter in :22.86.

“When he broke so well, it made my job a lot easier,” commented Ortiz Jr. “It looked like there was a lot of speed on paper. I was afraid to have to take a hold and drop in – he’s only had two races. It was great when he broke sharp. I was able to let the speed go and sit in the clear.”

Positioned comfortably in fifth down the backstretch, Retribution began to make his presence felt on the far turn. “In the middle of the turn, he started making his move on his own. I said, ‘Beautiful,'” Ortiz Jr. recalled. As the leaders entered the stretch, Retribution ranged up alongside a game Ancient World and the tiring pacesetters.

In mid-stretch, Retribution asserted his authority, digging in when challenged and pulling away decisively. “Then I got a horse next to me, and [Retribution] fights, and I said, ‘Okay, let’s do it,'” Ortiz Jr. added, praising his mount’s competitive spirit.

Touchy, under Joel Rosario, closed willingly from off the pace to secure second place, 1 ¾ lengths behind the winner. Ancient World, ridden by Jose Ortiz, held on for third, another 1 ¾ lengths back, with Normandy Coast completing the superfecta.

They were followed in order by One Nine Hundred, Perfect Force, Faster Gator, Slam Notion, Tiny Lake, Chipotle, and Keep It Easy.

The decision to run in the stakes, rather than an allowance race, paid off for the colt’s connections. Trainer Cherie DeVaux, who was saddling runners at Churchill Downs, had faith in Retribution’s ability. Sources close to the stable indicated, “She wanted to take a shot when she saw the speed inside and how he has been training. The way he runs, she thought it could turn out like it did.”

This victory marked the second win in three career starts for Retribution, a bay colt bred in Kentucky by Andrea McNeely Harden. He is out of the Old Fashioned mare Granny’s Drink.

The win boosted his career earnings to $134,400 for the ownership group of Belladonna Racing LLC, Twin Brook Stables, Woodford Racing LLC, B.C.W.T. Ltd., Savvy Stables, GRC Racing LLC, and Taylor Creek.

The Chick Lang also marked an important first black-type success for Retribution, further highlighting Vekoma as an exciting young sire.

Scratched Horse(s): (none listed)

Fractional Times: 22.86, 46.18, 58.48
Final Time: 1:11.27

Winning Connections

Winner: Retribution
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Owner: Belladonna Racing LLC, Twin Brook Stables, Woodford Racing LLC, B.C.W.T. Ltd., Savvy Stables, GRC Racing LLC, and Taylor Creek
Breeder: Andrea McNeely Harden
Bloodline: Retribution, Bay Colt, by Vekoma out of Granny’s Drink, by Old Fashioned. Foaled February 17, 2022 in Kentucky.
Vekoma stands at Spendthrift Farm, in Lexington, KY. ($35,000 Stands & Nurses)

Payouts

• $1.00 Exacta (11-10) Paid: $70.10
• $1.00 Trifecta (11-10-3) Paid: $450.10
• $1.00 Superfecta (11-10-3-4) Paid: $2,672.20

Race Replay