WOOD TOPS HUGE DAY AT AQUEDUCT
A strong field of Kentucky Derby hopefuls will line up to contest the $1 million Wood Memorial S. (G1) at Aqueduct on Saturday, topping a big day in the Empire State. Unbeaten Grade 2 hero Gemologist was a fine allowance winner in his 2012 debut and could be the one to beat in the Wood for trainer Todd Pletcher. The talented son of Tiznow has trained well in advance of this and should be in range as the field approaches the turn for home for conditioner Todd Pletcher.
Godolphin homebred Alpha has captured two stakes at this meeting, including a facile score in the Withers (G3) most recently, and will surely have a big say in the outcome on this occasion for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. The son of Bernardini has shown good improvement into his sophomore campaign here and will be moving late. Gotham S. (G3) runner-up My Adonis looms large with a step forward here, as he finishes six lengths clear of his nearest foe last time on this oval for trainer Kelly Breen. Broad Brush S. winner Street Life, the unbeaten The Lumber Guy, Tampa Bay Derby (G2) third Cozzetti, Gotham fourth Tiger Walk and the Nick Zito trained Casual Trick are among the top draws in this well-matched field.
Also on Saturday, a superb field is expected to contest the $400,000 Carter H. (G1) at seven furlongs. Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) hero Caleb’s Posse was a solid second in his 2012 debut and rates a huge chance for conditioner Donnie von Hemel. The four-year-old has a wicked turn of foot and has run big at this trip in the past.
Preakness (G1) king Shackleford was unplaced in the Donn H. (G1) most recently and cuts back in trip for Dale Romans. The son of Forestry could appreciate the cut back in distance on this day. Grade 1 star Jackson Bend was a solid third in the Gulfstream Park H. (G2) last time for Nick Zito, and we would not be surprised to see him turn it around in this dash. Tom Fool (G3) victor Calibrachoa, Emcee, who was third in the Tom Fool and sharp allowance second Tahitian Warrior are also tabbed for this spot.
In the $250,000 Bay Shore S. (G3), the Chad Brown duo of Hardened Wildcat and Beggarthyneighbor loom as the top pair in this lucrative dash. The two finished 1-2 in the Capossela S. in advance of this. The $250,000 Comely S. (G3) will be led by Broadway’s Alibi, a most impressive graded winner by more than 15 lengths most recently.