Aqueduct’s Gotham draws 15 . overflow field

While the $300,000 Gotham Stakes (G3) may be the last in some respects on the Kentucky Derby (G1), it’s the least in the other.

An overflowing playground of 15 3-year-olds, with one participant also eligible, appears for a March 4 mile bet at Aqueduct race track that will be the final one-leg qualifier for Triple Crown’s May 6 opening match.

While Gotham seems better suited to prepare for the seven-mile Woody Stephens Stake (G1) or the 3/16-mile Preakness 1 Stake (G1), a big part of its appeal is that the winner will receive A large number of points qualifies for a spot in the 20-horse starting gate for the Kentucky Derby.

There will be a total of 100 points up for grabs, with a 50-20-15-10-5 allotment to the top five finishers, which should help maintain at least some Triple Crown hopes.

In particular, the two starters will be racing for both points and the new coach for the first time in a setting that will determine how long they chase the Thoroughbred race’s most coveted prize.

Carmel Street And Fort Warren both started their careers with coach Bob Baffert in California, but with Baffert’s horses failing to qualify for the Kentucky Derby and qualifying points, the two ponies are 3 years old. The classifieds were moved to different stables for Saturday’s race.

Carmel Street, son of Quality Sugar bred by Purebred Peter E. Blum, will make his debut at the age of 3 for the team that owns SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, Jay Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan. Now with Tim Yakteen, the $650,000 purchase from Bridie Harrison’s shipment at Keeneland’s Annual September Sale is about to finish as runner-up for Baffert on Dec. 17 Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) at 1 1/16 mile.

Ryan said after perusing the field and watching how Fort Warren trains, the final decision whether to run or scratch him will be made. He also participated in Brotherly Love City on March 6 at The Parx . Race.

Ryan said of the Stonestreet hybrid: “He showed us a lot of class very early on but he raced lightly and we had to learn more about him.

Owned by the same partner as Carmel Road, Fort Warren is third behind Baffert in the seven-section San Vicente Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita . Park while starting the second time. The son of make for curly purchased for $550,000 at Keeneland in September from Taylor Made Sales Agent, now trained by Maryland-based Brittany Russell.

Coach Brad Cox, who has won six games in preparation for the Kentucky Derby, will chase seventh with a duo debuting their bets, Gold Square’s slide Mahoney and Ten Strike Racing, Michael Kisber, and Colin Reed’s eye-catching clover .

Slip Mahoney, son of Superior going to have first win at Aqueduct after previous loss Tapit Trice , who won the next start in eight lengths for coach Todd Pletcher. Eyeing Clover, one Looking Lucky colt, unbeaten after two starts and most recently dominated by nearly 10 lengths in one Fair Grounds Racecourse & Slots optional subsidy claimant.

Gotham, third of four monthly prep sessions in New York, also attracts BG Stables’ Knights of Lugan who took the first win in the quartet, January 7th Jerome Stakes, was also contested at the one mile.