Plans pending for Kentucky Derby contender Vino Rosso

After only hinting at his potential early in his career, Vino Rosso will carry momentum into the 2018 Kentucky Derby following his breakthrough victory Saturday in the Grade 2, $1 million Wood Memorial presented by NYRA Bets.

Vino Rosso easily won his first two starts but came up short in two stakes tries at Tampa Bay Downs, making a mild rally when third in the Grade 3 Sam F. Davis in February and finishing a flat fourth in the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby in March. The Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable colorbearer was able to put it all together at Aqueduct, settling in sixth early behind the fast pace set by Old Time Revival, commencing a rally on the far turn, and overhauling Enticed in the stretch en route to a three-length score.

"He had been training well all winter and it was exciting to see him run the race we thought he could run," said Pletcher.

Pletcher hasn't determined where Vino Rosso will train in the lead up to the Kentucky Derby but is considering taking the colt back to Palm Beach Downs, where he has trained since November.

"We'll make a final decision tomorrow," said Pletcher, who added that Vino Rosso will have two breezes between the Wood Memorial and the Kentucky Derby.

The Wood Memorial capped a big day for Pletcher, who also won the Grade 1 Carter Handicap with Army Mule and the Grade 3 Bay Shore with National Flag. Like Vino Rosso, Army Mule and National Flag were in fine fettle Sunday morning, Pletcher said.

The Wood Memorial was the second of two graded stakes wins on the card for Vincent Viola of St. Elias Stable, who also captured the Grade 1 Carter Handicap with Army Mule. The 4-year-old son of Friesan Fire served notice with a 6 ¼-length triumph to remain unbeaten in three dominant efforts. 

The Carter was Army Mule's first start at seven furlongs and Pletcher intends to have the bay colt stretch out to a mile next time in the Grade 1, $1.2 million Runhappy Metropolitan Handicap on June 9, Belmont Stakes Day.

"I had the chance to talk to Mr. Viola [after the Carter] and it seems like the Met Mile will be the most likely target," Pletcher said.

National Flag, owned by WinStar Farm, China Horse Club International, and S.F. Racing, unleashed a powerful stretch run to win the Grade 3, seven-furlong Bay Shore for 3-year-olds by four widening lengths. Pletcher for now intends to focus on one-turn races with the Speightstown colt, who entered the Bay Shore off a victory in a seven-furlong optional claimer in March at Gulfstream Park.

"One race we'll consider is the Pat Day Mile [Grade 3, May 5, Churchill Downs]," said Pletcher.