Wood Memorial: The Prestigious Grade 2 Race at Aqueduct

A Roster of Champions

The Grade 2 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct Racetrack is known for its esteemed winners’ history, featuring legendary racehorses such as Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Foolish Pleasure, Genuine Risk, Count Fleet, Omaha, and Gallant Fox, among others. With an impressive roll of Kentucky Derby triumphs – 20 in total – the Wood Memorial captures the attention and reverence of the racing world.

Aqueduct’s Derby Drought

However, despite its prestige, the Wood Memorial has not been as successful in producing winners of the Kentucky Derby in recent years. The last horse to triumph in both races in the same year was Fusaichi Pegasus back in 2000, and since then, the Wood Memorial has been unable to replicate its past glory on the Churchill Downs winner’s circle.

An Exciting Day of Racing

Saturday’s Wood Memorial stands tall as the centerpiece of Aqueduct’s packed 11-race card featuring six stakes races. The Wood Memorial, a 1 1/8-mile test, offers a significant opportunity for the eight colts in the field to earn valuable qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby – 100-40-20-10 to the top four finishers. The undercard also showcases other noteworthy races, including the Grade 1 Carter Handicap for older sprinters and the Grade 3 Gazelle, a renowned Kentucky Oaks trail stop at Aqueduct.

A Field of Promising Contenders

This year’s Wood Memorial boasts a highly competitive field, with three unbeaten colts among the contenders. Early Voting and Morello, both holding graded stakes victories at Aqueduct, are expected to attract significant attention from bettors, despite their limited racing experience.

Morello’s Hot Streak

Sporting an impeccable 3-for-3 record, Morello enters the Wood Memorial as the 8/5 morning line favorite. Dominating his competition with a combined winning margin of 13 3/4 lengths, Morello has shown his potential with victories in the seven-furlong Jimmy Winkfield Stakes and the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes, where he earned an impressive 96 Beyer Speed Figure. With 50 Derby qualifying points already secured, this son of Classic Empire has guaranteed his spot in the Run for the Roses.

Early Voting’s Distance Prowess

Early Voting, currently priced at 5/2, has demonstrated his ability to handle longer distances. Winning both of his starts, including a gate-to-wire triumph in the Grade 3 Withers over the same Wood Memorial distance, this promising colt has already proven his potential. While his speed figures may not be as remarkable as some of his competitors, Early Voting has showcased his tenacity and talent.

The Underdog: Barese

Amidst the esteemed field, a significant contender that often goes unnoticed is Barese, labeled at 8/1 odds. Though his perfect 3-for-3 record has solely come against fellow New York-breds, the Laoban progeny, trained by Mike Maker, possesses the speed figure credentials to be competitive in stakes company. Provided he handles the stretch-out to nine furlongs successfully, Barese could make a strong impression in the Wood Memorial.

Todd Pletcher and His Winning Legacy

When seeking success in high-stakes races, turning to veteran trainer Todd Pletcher is a logical choice. The Hall of Fame trainer has claimed victory in six of the last 11 Wood Memorials, a remarkable accomplishment. In this year’s edition, Pletcher brings a trio of contenders: Mo Donegal (5/2), Golden Code (15/1), and Long Term (20/1). Mo Donegal, securing the second-choice odds, possesses the most promising chances among Pletcher’s entries. With a compelling resume that includes a Grade 2 Remsen victory at Aqueduct, Mo Donegal has already proven his affinity for the track’s surface.

Top Contenders in the Wood Memorial

Below is the complete lineup for the Grade 2 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct:

• Mo Donegal, 5/2 (Joel Rosario/Todd Pletcher)
• Golden Code, 15/1 (Kendrick Carmouche/Todd Pletcher)
• Early Voting, 5/2 (Jose Ortiz/Chad Brown)
• Long Term, 20/1 (Javier Castellano/Todd Pletcher)
• Morello, 8/5 (Jose Lezcano/Steve Asmussen)
• Skippylongstocking, 15/1 (Junior Alvarado/Saffie Joseph Jr.)
• P.’s Secret, 20/1 (Manny Franco/Saffie Joseph Jr.)
• Barese, 8/1 (Dylan Davis/Michael Maker)

Mo Donegal: The Contender to Watch

Mo Donegal’s adaptable stalking style and competitive speed figures make him a formidable opponent in a field dominated by early speed. Having previously triumphed in the Grade 2 Remsen at Aqueduct, Mo Donegal’s connections have targeted the Wood Memorial for some time, capitalizing on the colt’s affinity for the track surface.

A Highly Anticipated Derby Qualifier

The Wood Memorial, serving as a crucial stepping stone on the Kentucky Derby trail, occupies the eighth race on Aqueduct’s bustling Saturday card. With contenders like Morello, Early Voting, and Mo Donegal, the race promises thrills, fierce competition, and the potential for a future champion to emerge.

Conclusion

The Wood Memorial stakes its claim as an important fixture on the road to the Kentucky Derby. While Aqueduct’s Derby drought has persisted in recent years, this year’s edition holds immense promise with a competitive field vying for Derby points and the chance to etch their names alongside the greats in horse racing history. Excitement fills the air as fans and bettors eagerly await the outcome of this prestigious Grade 2 race.

Wood Memorial FAQs

1. How many Kentucky Derby winners have emerged from the Wood Memorial?

Throughout history, the Wood Memorial has produced an impressive total of 20 Kentucky Derby winners, solidifying its status as a key Derby prep race.

2. Which horse holds the record for the fastest winning time in the Wood Memorial?

Secretariat, arguably the greatest racehorse of all time, set the track record for the Wood Memorial in 1973 with a scintillating time of 1:49 2/5 for the 1 1/8-mile distance.

3. Has any Wood Memorial winner gone on to win the Triple Crown?

Yes, several Wood Memorial winners have achieved the prestigious feat of capturing the Triple Crown. Notable examples include Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Count Fleet (1943), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), and Affirmed (1978).

4. What is the significance of earning Derby qualifying points in the Wood Memorial?

The Wood Memorial offers a substantial number of Derby qualifying points – 100-40-20-10 to the top four finishers. Accumulating these points significantly enhances a horse’s chances of securing a coveted spot in the Kentucky Derby field.

5. Who is the leading trainer in Wood Memorial history?

Todd Pletcher, a highly accomplished trainer, has enjoyed remarkable success in the Wood Memorial, capturing victory six times in the past 11 editions of the race.