Vengeful Wildcat takes Chick Lang Stakes

PIMLICO - Vengeful Wildcat pressed pacesetter Chipshot before wrestling the lead in mid-stretch on his way to a $100,000 Chick Lang Stakes win, a sprint for 3-year-olds.

Under jockey Carlos Marquez Jr., the son of Vindication prevailed by a neck and completed the six-furlong distance in 1:10.54.

Jockey Marquez said "This is a horse you can put pretty much anywhere. I've been watching the races since yesterday. You can close, but the speed just isn't holding and the inside isn't the best spot. So I tried to put him on the best part of the racetrack. Turning for home, he switched leads. When he put his head in front, I knew it was ours. Each time he gets better and better.

Vengeful Wildcat won three races in five starts, including the Tyro Stakes at Monmouth last summer.

Trainer Ben Perkins Jr. said “He’s a pretty honest little sucker. Carlos fits him well. He knows the horse completely. He broke well and ran well. He’s a very tractable horse. It looks like he likes the outside.”

Chipshot, who lead the race until collared by the winner, finished second, Road Ready was another two lengths back in third.

Vengeful Wildcat paid $6.40.