In preparation for the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the $750,000 Wood Memorial presented by Resorts World Casino (G2) April 9 at Aqueduct race track is the star attraction. But one of the other races on the show is also attracting a compelling lineup.
The seven-card assist Carter Handicap offered by NYRA Bets (G1) may be attractive Mind control , Green light , Editor , and other talented sprinters. Carter was the first 1st class of the year on the NYRA line.
This is the level at which Red Oak Stable and Madaket Stables’ Mind Control won. At the age of 2, he received a Share of Hope (G1), and a year later, a Share of H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1), both at Racecourse Saratoga in one trip seven times long. He was coached at the time by Gregg Sacco.
6 year old Thirsty The horse hasn’t raced since September when it entered the Parx Dirt Mile at Racing Parx for Hall of Fame coach Todd Pletcher. He turned up the temperature last fall just before the entries were made for the Breeder’s Cup at Del Mar.
“He’s had a bunch of really nice breezes at the Palm Beach Downs for Todd,” said Red Oak Stable race manager Rick Sacco. “He transported to New York on Sunday in good form. It would be nice if he got the number 1 point at the age of 6. You always question whether they are fit to be fired, but he’s doing great and we’re all looking forward to bringing him back and running him. He’ll definitely have a good account for himself.”
Although Mind Control proved his two-turn ability with his final score in the Parx Dirt Mile, his 2022 campaign will be clearer based on his Carter results.
“We’re playing it out of the race,” Sacco said. “He’s been great for the mile, but we’ll see where this takes us. He really thrives in the winter.”
Mind Control is gone Lightning N Thunder mare Feel that fire who also produce Goddess of Fire one of the favorites for Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) April 2.
Stronach Stables’ Green Light Go and Dra Draft have both been hitched in recent days. The previous person went five times on March 30 in: 59.22 on Belmont Park training track, while the second completed half a mile on the training track in: 47.80 March 31.
Green Light Go, the winner ranked in 2nd place, has experienced a resurgence in recent months, having acquired a Stymie stake in Aqueduct on February 26.
Dublin Fjord Stables, Racepoint Stables, Kevin Hilbert and Thomas E. O’Keefe’s Drafted take home the Toboggan Stakes (G3) victory at the Aqueduct to coach David Duggan, who has begun coaching period sprinters former at the end of 2020.
“Seven-eighths is probably a good distance for him because they go fast enough up front,” Duggan said. “Going 3/4, he always depends on speed a little bit and never gets there. Whether it was weak last time or not is hard to know, but he has the confidence and if given the time Take the chance. It’s now. If it doesn’t work, we’ll dust it off and get back to the real world.”
