2009 Kentucky Derby trail: Grade 3 Gotham Stakes

Aqueduct’s $250k Gotham Stakes is an important two turn graded test for Derby hopefuls, and the final local prep for the $750k Wood Memorial (G1) at nine furlongs on April 4th.

Masala was clearly 2nd best behind stablemate Take the Points at the Gulf last time, and that one came back to finish a fine 2nd behind The Pamplemousse in the Sham Stakes (G3) last weekend. Todd Pletcher is 23% 2nd off a layoff, and his strong late pace fig last time bodes well for his route chances.

Imperial Council is a $130k Keeneland sales grad with the best pedigree (Empire Maker-Thunder Gulch) in the field. The promising Shug McGaughey runner has won two straight since losing his debut by a neck at the Spa last summer. He is bred to improve with distance/experience, and he needs graded earnings and a route foundation if he hopes to make it to the starting gate on the first Saturday in May. His most recent allowance victory at Gulfstream Park is featured below…

Mr. Fantasy earned triple digit speed ratings in both romping local tallies, and he’s the one to catch for the always dangerous Alan Garcia/Kiaran McLaughlin team. He’s one of two quality New York breds in the lineup.

I Want Revenge flees the West Coast synthetic surfaces, which is a good idea considering the Kentucky Derby is run on conventional dirt. I’ll give him one on the main, and if nothing else we may get a gauge on top SoCal prospect Pioneerof The Nile (pictured).

Naos graduated at the Big A late last year under today’s pilot Mike Luzzi, and he found trouble in his stakes bow in January. He got back on the beam in a triple digit speed rating entry level win at Philly last time, and the Pletcher trainee will try to make his presence felt in the lane at big odds.

Haynesfield is 3-3 over the local inner dirt for Steve Asmussen. He got away with soft splits in most recent wire job, but he showed on Jan 3rd that he is not a need to lead type. Still, the waters get deeper today for the NY bred.

Russell Road finished 2nd in his career bow at Charles Town, then reeled off six straight, including sharp win versus open company at Laurel Park on Jan 31st. Talented West Virginia bred gelding gets a class and distance test today.

Axel Foley is in the same synthetic boat as I Want Revenge, and he owns a sprint oriented pedigree. A win in this spot would be a surprise. Kiaran McLaughlin takes over the training duties.

Giant Ryan rounds out the field, and the overmatched NY bred looms a pace factor at the most.

Top 3 selections: (1) Masala , (2) Imperial Council , (3) Mr. Fantasy

Longshot to Watch: Naos (20-1)

Photo Credit: newscom.com