Iron Horse’s Stunning Gotham Triumph Shakes Up Kentucky Derby Contenders – What’s Next?
Iron Horse has just sealed the deal in the latest $300,000 Gotham Stakes, crossing the finish line a length ahead on a brisk mile run clocking in at 1:37.94. Sitting snugly as the 4-5 favorite, jockey Manny Franco steered this promising colt to snag a hefty 50 points on the road to the famed Kentucky Derby come May 2. Honestly, it was a gritty performance—Franco himself acknowledged the stiff challenge from Crown the Buckeye, who took second and gave chase with 25 points earned. Trainer Chad Brown’s plan to keep the champ in New York, gearing him up for the Wood Memorial on April 4, speaks volumes about Iron Horse’s potential, especially as a progeny of 2016 Derby winner Nyquist. It’s only his second start, yet this colt’s learning curve has me curious and excited about what’s next. Plus, with the Gotham bidding farewell to Aqueduct after its 74th run and setting sights on Belmont Park’s fresh track, the stage is undoubtedly set for thrilling showdowns ahead.
NEW YORK (AP) — Iron Horse won the $300,000 Gotham by a length Saturday to earn Kentucky Derby qualifying points.
Ridden by Manny Franco, Iron Horse ran a mile in 1:37.94 and paid $3.88 to win as the 4-5 favorite in the field of eight.
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Iron Horse earned 50 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby on May 2.
“He fought hard,” Franco said. “The other horse, I’ve got to give a little credit to, but I knew that my horse had enough to get it done.”
Crown the Buckeye was second and earned 25 qualifying points. Right to Party was another 6 1/2 lengths back in third and earned 15 points. Exhibition Only was fourth and earned 10 points, while Balboa got five points for finishing fifth.
Trainer Chad Brown said Iron Horse would remain in New York and be pointed toward the $750,000 Wood Memorial on April 4. The colt improved to 2-0 in his career. He is a son of 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist.
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“Race by race, he’s still learning,” Franco said. “This was just his second start and I’m just happy to be on him.”
The 74th edition of the Gotham marked its final running at Aqueduct before it moves to the newly redesigned Belmont Park next year.
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AP horse racing: https://apnews.com/hub/horse-racing
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