Mark My Identity began his three-year-old season with a promising win on February 9, rallying from behind to take a maiden contest over seven furlongs. The chestnut colt, by Bern Identity out of Sweet Like Sugar, showed a closing style that suggested potential for the longer Classic distances ahead.
At the time trained by the late Enos Brown, Mark My Identity entered the 2000 Guineas but finished seventh, thirteen lengths behind Sensational Soul. He returned for the Derby, improving slightly to sixth, ten lengths behind I Dream Again. Both efforts fell short of expectations set by his maiden win.
Following the Derby on August 6, Mark My Identity reappeared on September 13 in a non-winners-of-two event, again over seven furlongs. Now under the care of trainer Byron Davis, he produced a strong finish to win, reinforcing his preference for middle to longer distances.
On October 4, Mark My Identity stepped up to the non-winners-of-three/four level, facing five opponents over a mile. Dane Dawkins remained aboard. The race featured early pace from American Aviator (Robert Halledeen), with Bob The Builder and H Two O close behind. Mark My Identity tracked the leaders for the first half-mile, only beginning to respond to Dawkins’ urgings after the three-furlong marker.
Turning for home, American Aviator still led, but Mark My Identity closed steadily and took over inside the final furlong. He finished five lengths clear of American Aviator, with H Two O third. The final time was 1:40.1, with splits of 24.1 x 47.0 x 1:12.2 x 1:26.1.
This win marked a step forward for Mark My Identity, who now approaches the Overnight Allowance level with improving form and a clear affinity for extended distances.
