The Grade III Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct is shaping up to be an exciting race with a purse of $300,000. This one-mile race for three-year-olds features a competitive field of ten horses. Here’s a detailed analysis and preview of the horses, jockeys, trainers, and pedigrees:
1. Scorching (ON)
- Jockey: Eric Cancel
- Trainer: John Charalambous
- Owner: Paul Braverman and Timothy Pinch
- Breeder: Huntington Stud Farm Corp.
- Pedigree: Mo Town – Samsal, by Consolidator
- Analysis: Scorching is an Ontario-bred colt with a promising record. He has shown versatility on different surfaces and distances, making him a strong contender.
2. Normandy Coast (KY)
- Jockey: Ben Curtis
- Trainer: Eddie Kenneally
- Owner: Eric Kenneally, Brian Chenvert, and Eddie Kenneally
- Breeder: Haymarket Farm LLC
- Pedigree: Omaha Beach – Alliteration, by Congrats
- Analysis: Normandy Coast has demonstrated front-running ability and has been training well at Fair Grounds. He could be a live long shot in this race.
3. Calling Card (NY)
- Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche
- Trainer: Michael J. Maker
- Owner: Three Diamonds Farm
- Breeder: Spruce Lane Farm, Manlius Stable, BuiltWright Stables et al.
- Pedigree: Complexity – Graceful Rage, by Tiznow
- Analysis: Calling Card has had mixed results but has shown potential in state-bred races. The addition of blinkers might help improve his performance.
4. Sacrosanct (NY)
- Jockey: Manny Franco
- Trainer: Brad H. Cox
- Owner: Lady Sheila Stable, Net Birdie, LLC, and Schwing Thoroughbreds
- Breeder: Burleson Farms, Mckenzie Bloodstock, & Sequel Thoroughbreds
- Pedigree: Honest Mischief – Vibrato, by Unbridled’s Song
- Analysis: Sacrosanct is undefeated in four starts and has dominated New York-bred races. He is a strong win contender making his open company debut.
5. Sand Devil (NY)
- Jockey: Jose Lezcano
- Trainer: Linda Rice
- Owner: Chester Broman, Sr.
- Breeder: Chester Broman & Mary R. Broman
- Pedigree: Violence – Mineralogist, by Mineshaft
- Analysis: Sand Devil is another undefeated New York-bred with three victories at Aqueduct. He has shown consistency and is a top contender.
6. Pagode (KY)
- Jockey: Luan Machado
- Trainer: Paulo H. Lobo
- Owner: Bonne Chance Farm LLC
- Breeder: Bonne Chance Farm, LLC
- Pedigree: Constitution – Pretty Girl (ARG), by Harlan’s Holiday
- Analysis: Pagode has been training well and has the potential to surprise in this race. His pedigree suggests he could handle the distance.
7. Flood Zone (FL)
- Jockey: Reylu Gutierrez
- Trainer: Brad H. Cox
- Owner: Wathnan Racing
- Breeder: Al Figliolia Westburystables, LLC
- Pedigree: Frosted – Curls for Girls, by Curlin
- Analysis: Flood Zone showed promise in his last race and has been training well. He could be a contender if he continues to improve.
8. McAfee (KY)
- Jockey: Lane J. Luzzi
- Trainer: Richard E. Dutrow, Jr.
- Owner: Black Type Thoroughbreds, Swinbank Stables LLC, Judy B. Hicks, and Scott C. Rice
- Breeder: Judy Hicks
- Pedigree: Cloud Computing – Sataves, by Uncle Mo
- Analysis: McAfee has a solid pedigree and has shown potential in his previous races. He could be a sleeper in this field.
9. Garamond (KY)
- Jockey: Javier Castellano
- Trainer: Chad C. Brown
- Owner: Juddmonte
- Breeder: Juddmonte
- Pedigree: Uncle Mo – Blue Watch, by Tapit
- Analysis: Garamond comes from a strong pedigree and has been training well. He could be a major player in this race.
10. My Mitole (KY)
- Jockey: Luis R. Rivera, Jr.
- Trainer: Carlos F. Martin
- Owner: Half Hollow Stables, LLC
- Breeder: William B. Harrigan
- Pedigree: Mitole – Board Battle, by Seeking the Gold
- Analysis: My Mitole has shown potential in his previous races and has a solid pedigree. He could be a contender if he continues to improve.
