Yinzer made a winning return in his first start of the year Saturday at Saratoga, taking a $125,000 second-level allowance over one mile on the inner turf with a polished front-running performance.

Meet-leading rider Jose Ortiz expertly rationed the colt’s speed before turning back a late challenge to score by three-quarters of a length.

Trainer Steve Asmussen had Yinzer ready to fire fresh in his 4-year-old bow. As a 3-year-old, Yinzer broke his maiden on dirt and flirted with the Kentucky Derby trail before finding his niche on the grass, where he developed into a stakes-placed performer. Along the way, Asmussen patiently worked through some quirks that surfaced during several races last year, and and Saturday’s performance suggested Yinzer is putting everything together.

Ortiz delivered a vintage Saratoga ride, making full use of Yinzer’s tactical speed without asking him to do too much too soon. Even after drifting slightly in the stretch, Yinzer dug in when challenged and had enough left to hold his rivals safe.

Campaigned by West Point Thoroughbreds and racing partners Lane’s End Farm and CJ Stables, Yinzer recorded the third victory of his career while pushing his bankroll beyond the quarter-million-dollar mark.

Interview in the winner’s circle with West Point’s Tom Bellhouse: