The Wood Memorial

Empire Maker, the  royally bred son of 1990 Kentucky Derby winner Unbridled, continued on his quest for a Kentucky Derby win by capturing the 79th running of The Grade I Wood Memorial. The Wood victory, coupled with his recent win in The Florida Derby will set him up as the odds on favorite on the first Saturday in May. New York bred Funny Cide managed to hang close for second, but Jerry Bailey never really asked for a lot from the winner. Empire Maker is owned by Juddmonte Farms and trained by Bobby Frankel.

Empire Maker in the Aqueduct Paddock before The Wood Memorial

The Carter Handicap

Last years winner of this event Affirmed Success returned to try for a repeat win. The Albert Fried nine-year-old gelding is a local favorite and recently won The Toboggan. The wet track was to his liking but he could not hold off the speed and youth of the Bob Baffert trained Congaree at the turn. Gary Stevens and Congaree sailed to an easy three length win. Congaree and Santa Anita Handicap winner Medaglia D'Oro look to be the top older handicap horses in training at this time. Sure would be great to see these two go at it in The Pimlico Special.

            Gary Stevens and Congaree in an easy Carter Handicap win.

The Bay Shore

The Mark Hennig trained Halo Homewrecker moved to the outside then caught Don Six and gained a length victory in this Grade III sprint for three-year-olds that is usually run on the same day as the Wood Memorial. Jockey John Velazquez noted “He came out running. We got really good position; not too far back. He was game every step of the way.” Halo Homewrecker  may be aimed towards The Withers Stakes at Aqueduct on Kentucky Derby Day.

     Halo Homewrecker (left) gains a length victory over Don Six

Home