Wood on The Wood Memorial
Tomorrow cannot come fast enough! I am very excited to be making my first trip to Aqueduct for the Wood Memorial. While I do have an Uncle Eugene, he is not the same guy this race is named after; however, it is pretty fun to tell my (very naive) friends that this race is named after my family. In recent years, the Wood Memorial has produced many of “my derby horses,” only to hang my head in shame that first Saturday in May. I’m talking to you Frosted, Verrazano and Gemologist!
I’m not sure if the Kentucky Derby winner is in this year’s field, but there are definitely some talented runners entered. Keep in mind that the weather conditions will be less than ideal tomorrow afternoon in New York. It could really have an impact on all the graded stakes action, especially by post time of the Wood. But I am no meteorologist, so let’s stick with forecasting the horses!
TOP PICK
I landed on the Chad Brown runner, Flexibility, to get the job done tomorrow. I think he needed the two months off since the disappointing 4th in the Withers. I also love the fact that he has gone this distance before in the Remsen and was willing late in that race. I think he’ll get a little bit of a faster pace in this one to run into late. There should be 3-4 fighting for the early lead, so I would love to see him sit back behind that group and let the race come to him. All in all, it is a winning combination to have a jockey, trainer and horse that know this track so well.
VALUE PLAY
Now if you want to add some value to your exotics, I would not overlook Dalmore. This colt was not impressive as a two-year-old, but seems to be a new horse at three. That is what makes this age group so much fun to handicap. They can change overnight! He likes to stalk and should have clear path on the outside to make a move towards the middle of the race. I usually stay away from runners like him, just broke his maiden, major class hike, but it is hard to argue that this horse is on the rise.
TOSS
Sure, I may look like an idiot tomorrow evening, but I am tossing Outwork. One reason is the post position. He will need to get out fast or face being wide throughout. The other reason is the points factor. He has 20, so even a fourth place finish should secure a spot in the derby gate. We may not see his A-game tomorrow if that's the case, so he can have something left in the tank down the road.
Rain or snow or shine, tomorrow is going to be a fun day! I am looking forward to checking another track/race off my bucket list as the east coast tour continues!