Midlantic Kentucky Derby hopefuls El Areeb and Irish War Cry had tough outings Saturday, both well-beaten as the favorite in major prep races.
El Areeb, based at Laurel Park, would likely have enough points to guarantee a Kentucky Derby berth if he wins Saturday’s Gotham Stakes.
Kentucky Derby hopeful El Areeb will make his next start March 4 in Aqueduct’s Gotham Stakes, his trainer said.
Favored El Areeb made it three straight stakes wins, and burnished his Kentucky Derby resume, with an easy score in the Withers Stakes today.
Green Gratto snapped a losing streak in today’s G3 Toboggan Stakes at Aqueduct.
New Jersey-bred Sunny Ridge won the Jazil Stakes at Aqueduct yesterday over the same strip where he won last year’s Grade 3 Withers.
El Areeb, based at Cal Lynch’s Laurel Park barn, drew first blood of 2017 on the Derby trail with an 11-length win in the G3 Jerome.
New Jersey-bred Sunny Ridge has been installed as the second morning line choice for Saturday’s G3 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct.
Green Gratto’s score in the G3 Fall Highweight at Aqueduct was the top result of 11 Midlantic-breds who tackled graded company this past weekend.
NYRA’s response to recent breakdowns at Aqueduct won’t likely solve the problem – but does call attention to an unintended irony and, oddly, the Preakness.
