Eisaman training grad Amberjack drew away from his rivals in the stretch to win the $160,800 New York Derby by six and one-half lengths at Finger Lakes Racetrack on Saturday.

After breaking to the front, the Michael Hushion-trainee was rated by jockey Jose Espinosa and conceded the early lead. Still fourth after six furlongs, Espinosa saved ground and waited for room on the turn, then took off suddenly in the lane to secure the victory.

The chestnut colt covered the one mile and one-sixteenth route for New York-bred 3-year-olds in a final time of 1:44.42 over the sloppy going.

“He’s a smart horse that has class and can run”, said Espinosa. “I was able to do what I wanted with him.”

With victories in the $125,000 Mike Lee S. June 1 at Belmont Park, Amberjack remains in the hunt for the Big Apple Triple bonus. The $250,000 cash award is given to the connections of the horse that wins all three legs of the stakes series. The final leg is the $150,000 Albany S. at Saratoga on August 21.

Amberjack earned his fourth victory in his sixth career start for John Fort's Peachtree Stable. The victory improved his lifetime earnings to a sum of $255,355. Fort purchased the colt for $185,000 at the 2011 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Preferred Yearling sale.