April brings in a multitude of graded stakes races and Kentucky Derby prep races. It is a full schedule this weekend, so let's review the bigger races.
Aqueduct holds the 83rd running of the Wood Memorial Stakes, New York's first Grade I race of the year. It is Aqueduct's biggest day of racing, and the track will acknowledge the arrival of Spring by ceasing to run on the inner, winter track. Headlining are two of the favorites to win the Kentucky Derby, Circular Quay and Nobiz Like Showbiz.
The race between the two promises to be a good one, as both horses appear to be peaking. Nobiz has been having bullet workouts and will be wearing blinkers for the first time. The race also features local favorite and Gotham Stakes winner Summer Doldrums and possibly Zanjero, but expect to see only Nobiz and Quay in the final furlong.
Hawthorne Race Course sponsors the Illinois Derby, a Grade II event attracting the likes of Cowtown Cat, Merv Griffin's Cobalt Blue, Catman Running, Drums of Thunder and Sacrifice Bunt. The winner is practically guaranteed a spot in the Kentucky Derby, so much is at stake for these second level competitors. Cowtown Cat and Cobalt Blue are the favorites, but it is unlikely that the winner of the race will have an impact on the Derby.
On the West Coast, the Santa Anita Derby, California's biggest prep race, promises to be competitive. King of the Roxy appears to be the best on paper, but distance has always been his biggest question. Liquidity needs the race in order to collect enough graded stakes earnings to run in the Derby. Also featured are Boutros, Air Commander, Level Red, Sam P. and possibly Bwana Bull. Of the three prep races, this one is the most interesting and evenly matched. Expect Sam P., Bwana Bull and Liquidity to put up the biggest fight.
Also at Aqueduct is the Carter Handicap, a seven furlong sprint worth $300,000 for horses three years old and up. Although not definite, the race could feature Sunshine Millions winner Smoky Stover. The Bay Shore Stakes, a seven-furlong sprint for three year olds, features Wollaston Bay, Bill Place, Out of Gwedda and Les Grands Trois.
The coming of spring also means the opening of picturesque Keeneland Race Course. The classic park hosts the Kentucky Oaks Prep Ashland Stakes a $500,000 distaff for three year olds. Featured are Rags to Riches and possibly Breeders' Cup Juvenile Filly winner Dreaming of Anna.
The weekend's biggest Handicap Division race is the Oaklawn Park Handicap, run at nine furlongs. This $500,000 Grade II event may feature the seemingly unbeatable Master Command, and may also include Magna Graduate, a winner here last month. Fan favorite Lawyer Ron makes his return to Oaklawn, the track where he was extremely successful last year. Also included will be West Coast invaders Molengao and Boboman, who recently finished second and third to Lava Man in the Big Cap.
