The Gander Stakes is a key New York-bred event for 3-year-olds, offering a $135,000 purse over 1 mile on the dirt. This race often serves as a stepping stone for emerging sophomores in the Empire State circuit, with past winners like Tiz the Law using it as a launchpad for bigger things. The 2026 edition features a compact but competitive field of seven colts, with speed figures suggesting a fast pace set by frontrunners like Sculcos Folly and The Obliterator. Trainers Richard E. Dutrow, Jr. and Amelia J. Green each send out two entrants, adding intrigue to the tactics. The track’s inner dirt oval favors horses with tactical speed, but stamina will be tested in the stretch. With morning line favorite Sculcos Folly drawing well and high last-out figures, this could be a formful affair, though value lies in closers if the pace melts down.
Venue Location
Aqueduct Racetrack, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, South Ozone Park, Queens, NY 11420.
Scheduled Post Time2:44 p.m. ET.
Expected Weather Conditions
Partly cloudy with a high of around 50°F and lows in the low 40s. Winds from the southwest at 10-15 mph, with a 20% chance of scattered showers in the afternoon. Humidity around 65%. If rain arrives, it could total less than 0.1 inches, potentially softening the track but not turning it into a quagmire.
Track Conditions
Aqueduct’s inner dirt track is expected to be rated “fast” based on the dry forecast leading up to race day. However, if afternoon showers hit, it could downgrade to “good” or “sloppy,” favoring mud-loving pedigrees like those sired by Yaupon or Mendelssohn. The track has been playing fair this meet, with no significant bias toward inside or outside paths, though speed has held up well in route races.
Full Field Analysis
The field of seven 3-year-old colts is listed below with post positions (PP), horse details, recent finishes (last 3-4 races where available, including date, track, distance, finish position/speed figure, and notes), and analysis of the horse, jockey, and trainer. Weights are standard at 118-120 lbs for most, with no allowances noted. Morning line odds (ML) reflect early betting sentiment. Recent finishes are drawn from available past performances, focusing on form, track affinity, and class jumps.
- PP 1: Wamo (3YO Colt, b. Yaupon – Seeking Her Glory, Owner: Not listed, Last Speed Figure: 99, ML: 5/1)
Recent Finishes:- Jan 11, 2026: Aqueduct, 6f AlwOC, 2nd/7 (99) – Pressed pace, dueled stretch, outfinished late on fast track.
- Dec 15, 2025: Aqueduct, 7f MSW, 1st/8 (95) – Broke sharp, wired field wire-to-wire on good track.
- Nov 20, 2025: Belmont, 6f MSW, 3rd/9 (88) – Good debut, rallied wide on fast dirt.
Horse Analysis: Wamo is a speedy type with tactical versatility, boasting a strong debut win and consistent figures in the mid-90s. His Yaupon pedigree suggests he’ll handle the stretch to a mile, and he thrives on fast tracks. Could set or press the pace from the rail, but needs to avoid a duel with faster rivals. Improving with experience, he’s a live contender if the track stays dry.
Jockey Analysis: Kendrick Carmouche (18% win rate at Aqueduct this meet) is a master of the inner track, known for aggressive rides that suit speed horses like Wamo. He’s won multiple stakes here and excels in positioning from inside posts.
Trainer Analysis: Michael J. Maker (22% win rate with 3YOs) is sharp with shippers and route stretch-outs. He conditions horses to peak in stakes, and Wamo’s recent works (bullet 4f in :47.2 at Belmont) indicate readiness.
- PP 2: Sculcos Folly (3YO Colt, b. Redesdale – Cool Johanna, Owner: Not listed, Last Speed Figure: 115, ML: 7/5)
Recent Finishes:- Feb 8, 2026: Aqueduct, 1m AlwOC, 1st/6 (115) – Dominated from start, won by 4 lengths on fast track, career-best figure.
- Jan 18, 2026: Aqueduct, 7f Alw, 1st/7 (108) – Wire-to-wire victory, held off closers on sloppy track.
- Dec 28, 2025: Aqueduct, 6f MSW, 1st/8 (102) – Easy debut win, geared down late on fast dirt.
Horse Analysis: The morning line favorite brings the field’s top speed (115 last out), with three straight wins showing wire-to-wire ability. Redesdale sire line adds stamina for the mile, and he’s undefeated at Aqueduct. Handles off tracks well, making him versatile for weather changes. The one to beat, but must avoid burning out early against other speed.
Jockey Analysis: Jaime Rodriguez (20% win rate this meet) is in hot form, riding multiple winners weekly at Aqueduct. He’s adept at rating speed horses and has a strong record in stakes (15% wins).
Trainer Analysis: Richard E. Dutrow, Jr. (25% win rate with 3YOs) is a stakes specialist, often peaking horses for New York-bred events. His barn’s 30% strike rate at the meet bodes well, and Sculcos Folly’s sharp 5f work (:59.4) signals peak form.
- PP 3: Mission Critical (3YO Colt, b. Midnight Lute – Mission Pass, Owner: Not listed, Last Speed Figure: 91, ML: 15/1)
Recent Finishes:- Feb 1, 2026: Aqueduct, 1m Alw, 4th/8 (91) – Mid-pack, mild rally on fast track.
- Jan 4, 2026: Aqueduct, 7f MSW, 1st/9 (89) – Closed strongly to win going away on good track.
- Dec 10, 2025: Belmont, 6f MSW, 5th/10 (82) – Even effort in debut on fast dirt.
Horse Analysis: A closer with upside, Mission Critical broke his maiden impressively but faded in allowance company last out. Midnight Lute pedigree screams route potential, and he could benefit from a hot pace up front. Value play if the track turns sloppy, as he showed promise on “good” going. Needs a clean trip to hit the board.
Jockey Analysis: Jose Lezcano (16% win rate) is a patient rider ideal for closers, with a history of upsets in stakes at Aqueduct. His tactical awareness could position Mission Critical for a late run.
Trainer Analysis: Jeremiah C. Englehart (18% win rate) excels with developing 3YOs, often improving them second off the layoff. Recent works are steady (4f :48.8), suggesting he’s cranked for this spot.
- PP 4: You’re Lookin Good (3YO Colt, b. Mendelssohn – Good Looks, Owner: Not listed, Last Speed Figure: 85, ML: 20/1)
Recent Finishes:- Jan 25, 2026: Aqueduct, 7f MSW, 2nd/8 (85) – Pressed pace, tired late on fast track.
- Dec 22, 2025: Aqueduct, 6f MSW, 4th/9 (80) – Good speed, flattened out on sloppy track.
- Nov 15, 2025: Belmont, 5.5f MSW, 6th/10 (72) – Debut, green but showed early foot on fast turf (switched to dirt).
Horse Analysis: Longshot from the Green barn, You’re Lookin Good has shown early speed but lacks closing punch. Mendelssohn sire adds class and stamina, but his figures (mid-80s) are the field’s lowest. Could factor if loose on the lead, but vulnerable to stronger rivals. Best as an underneath play in exotics if pace collapses.
Jockey Analysis: Reylu Gutierrez (14% win rate) is aggressive and suits speed types, but his stakes record is spotty. He’ll need to steal fractions to make this one competitive.
Trainer Analysis: Amelia J. Green (15% win rate) is on the rise with 3YOs, saddling multiple stakes placers this meet. She pairs this one with stablemate Minorinconvenience, suggesting a team tactic. Works are sharp (5f 1:00.2).
- PP 5: Minorinconvenience (3YO Colt, b. Mendelssohn – Minor Issue, Owner: Not listed, Last Speed Figure: 91, ML: 3/1)
Recent Finishes:- Dec 7, 2025: Aqueduct, 1m MSW, 1st/7 (91) – Stalked and pounced, won by 2 lengths on fast track (off since).
- Nov 8, 2025: Belmont, 7f MSW, 2nd/8 (88) – Rallied wide, just missed on good track.
- Oct 15, 2025: Belmont, 6f MSW, 3rd/9 (82) – Debut, steady close on fast dirt.
Horse Analysis: Off the bench since December, this Mendelssohn colt impressed in his maiden breaker at the distance. Figures in the low 90s suggest room to improve, and he’s bred for routes. Green notes he’s “ready off the bench,” making him a strong second choice. Handles off tracks, adding appeal if rain hits.
Jockey Analysis: Ricardo Santana, Jr. (19% win rate) is a top ship-in rider, excelling in stakes with patient tactics. His 25% strike rate with Green is a plus.
Trainer Analysis: Amelia J. Green (as above) targets this spot, with a 20% win rate off 90+ day layoffs. Bullet works (4f :47.0) indicate sharpness.
- PP 6: The Obliterator (3YO Colt, b. Vino Rosso – Obliterate, Owner: Not listed, Last Speed Figure: 108, ML: 7/2)
Recent Finishes:- Feb 15, 2026: Aqueduct, 7f AlwOC, 1st/6 (108) – Wired field, held on gamely on fast track.
- Jan 22, 2026: Aqueduct, 6f Alw, 2nd/7 (102) – Speed duel, tired late on sloppy track.
- Dec 30, 2025: Aqueduct, 6f MSW, 1st/8 (98) – Easy win, geared down on fast dirt.
Horse Analysis: High speed (108 last out) makes him a threat, with Vino Rosso pedigree suiting the mile. Dutrow’s second entrant could press or rate, and he’s 2-for-3 at Aqueduct. Prefers fast tracks but showed grit on sloppy. Live if he avoids early battle with Sculcos Folly.
Jockey Analysis: Christopher Elliott (12% win rate) is an up-and-comer, solid with speed horses in the Dutrow barn. Needs a clean break from post 6.
Trainer Analysis: Richard E. Dutrow, Jr. (as above) doubles up here, with a 28% win rate in NY-bred stakes. Sharp 6f work (1:11.4) bodes well.
- PP 7: Anyway (3YO Colt, b. Candy Ride (ARG) – Anyhow, Owner: Not listed, Last Speed Figure: 99, ML: 8/1)
Recent Finishes:- Feb 22, 2026: Aqueduct, 1m Alw, 3rd/8 (99) – Closed well but too late on fast track (blinkers on today).
- Jan 29, 2026: Aqueduct, 7f Alw, 4th/7 (94) – Mid-pack, even finish on good track.
- Dec 18, 2025: Belmont, 6f MSW, 1st/9 (90) – Strong debut rally on fast dirt.
Horse Analysis: Closer with Candy Ride stamina, Anyway adds blinkers today to sharpen focus. Figures in the upper 90s suggest he can contend if pace sets up. Outside post helps his style, and he could surprise at odds if frontrunners tire.
Jockey Analysis: Manuel Franco (17% win rate) is Aqueduct’s leading rider, masterful with closers in routes. His stakes success (20%) makes this a strong pairing.
Trainer Analysis: Linda Rice (21% win rate) dominates Aqueduct meets, with a 25% hit rate adding equipment. Steady works (5f 1:01.0) indicate fitness.
