The Remsen, Aqueduct ... Runners Guide

Race 8: 1 1/8th (Dirt), The Remsen Stakes (G2), Purse $250k, 2 (Saturday)

This race, which has Kentucky Derby Points (10-4-2-1) on the line, is an early litmus test on the “Trail.” While the contest has yet to produce a “roses-wearing” champ, that does not mean that some splendid runners have not travelled through this 1 1/8th feat of strength. Names like Honor Code, Mohaymen, Catholic Boy, Maximus Mischief, and Shotski … all come to mind. It is exceedingly tough to gauge just how a 2-yr-old will take to this distance, but one thing is for sure, super trainers like Todd Pletcher, Shug McGaughey, Bill Mott, and Chad Brown will not shy away from trying. Will this year’s winner spark some discussions about possible Derby stardom? Stay tuned …

Now, let’s find out about this field…

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#1 Mo Donegal (Jky: I. Ortiz/Trn: T. Pletcher):

With a pair of attempts under his belt over at Belmont, it makes sense that this well-bred colt by Uncle Mo could stretch to a deeper route for Donegal Racing and Todd Pletcher. Even though he did not break well last out, he rolled down the stretch in fine fashion with Irad Ortiz aboard. If he can make the move up the class ladder, he might be able to make an impact late.

Grade: B+

#2 Who Hoo That’s Me (Jky: T. McCarthy/Trn: J. Abreu):

Here is a son of Keen Ice that experienced 4 tough races. Bumping the gate and being squeezed early led to tough trips … Running against some tough competition in BTs like the Funny Cide 200k and the Sleepy Hollow 250k speak class, and Jorge Abreu sure could use some improvement when it comes to “G” races. T-Mac shows up to ride, and he will have a shot to hit-the-board …

Grade: B-

#3 Judge Davis (Jky: J. Ortiz/Trn: S. McGaughey):

Shug McGaughey is employed by Courtlandt Farms, and they have a good one by Distorted Humor. He will have to do more this time though. The colt lacked the needed kick in the Nashua (G3) back at Belmont on 7 November. Jose Ortiz tried to get him moving in the stretch, but there were no gears to be had. The HOF conditioner adds the “Blinkers” and maybe that will provide the focus he needs. He should be fit enough …

Grade: B

#4 Fromanothamutha (Jky: M. Franco/Trn: R. Handal):

Trainer Ray Handal does not take on the “Super Trainers” on their own turf often, but he comes to play in The Remsen today. His colt by Unified (Candy Ride (ARG), looks capable after seeing an uptick in speed figs from September and into October. Manny Franco gets the call, and this looks like a different horse from the last time he rode him back at Saratoga. Sneaky type …

Grade: B-

#5 Midnight Chrome (Jky: L. Saez/Trn: T. Servis):

Clan Servis has had its share of tough moments this past couple years, but they are continuing to enter whenever and where they can. Tyler comes to the “Big A” with this son of California Chrome. The former KYD Champ has not exactly produced some celebrated offspring. Maybe that can change today … Getting Luis Saez to ride sounds like a plan, but it is not going to be easy switching from the Laurel grass to this dirt oval. The distance alone will be a tough test!

Grade: C+

#6 Eloquist (Jky: D. Davis/Trn: R. Reid):

Sons and daughters of Nyquist continue to be well-backed, and here is a colt that showed some promise for the Reid Barn last time at Parx. That was not a terribly tough field (MSW42k), but a win is a win, as they say. Dylan Davis takes over for Frankie Pennington, and he can be aggressive when he needs to. A sharp work on 20 Nov. @.59 is inviting, but it might not be enough in the end.

Grade: C

#7 Zandon (Jky: J. Rosario/Trn: C. Brown):

Trainer Chad Brown has an ace up his sleeve with this budding star, but that comment is only based on his colt’s debut victory in early October. If he can harness the kind of speed he flashed then, and extend himself further, then Joel Rosario might have a shot at some KYD Points. The son of Upstart has the wheels to make a difference late in the game, and with Brown’s conditioning ability, it very well could unfold just like that … win.

Grade: A-

#8 Mr Jefferson (Jky: K. Carmouche/Trn: M. Trombetta):

Sons of Constitution like this one sure are inviting to support, since they have proven capable runners going more than a mile. Last out at Laurel, Mike Trombetta’s charge ridden out, winning an OC62.5k race nicely. Now, it is time to roll up I-95 and try some much deeper company in The Remsen. Favorite local rider Kendrick Carmouche gets the call, and he has the ability to get the job done against the odds. This could be a pick to include underneath … filling out tickets. Not sure he clearly is a “win” though …

Grade: B-

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Join us Saturday for all of our NYRA selections! Should be a great set of races from the “Big A!”