Wood Memorial J

The complexion of the $750,000 Wood Memorial (G1) changed when Like Now
(Jules) and Showing Up (Strategic Mission) were declared due to recent setbacks
and a key entrant, Tampa Bay Derby (G3) hero DEPUTY GLITTERS (Deputy Commander),
isn’t expected to run if it’s wet. Rain is in the forecast Friday and Saturday,
leaving the good possibility of an off track at Aqueduct Saturday, and we won’t
go against KEYED ENTRY (Honour and Glory).

He’s a serious wire-to-wire threat over a fast track, and Keyed Entry loves
it wet. He blistered the track in the sloppy Hutcheson S. (G2), easily defeating
mudlark First Samurai (Giant’s Causeway) in the 7 1/2-furlong event, and the
Todd Pletcher runner looks like the lone speed in the Wood. He rated effectively
when making his two-turn debut in the 1 1/16-mile Gotham S. (G3) last time,
finishing a fast-closing second by a neck, and looks much more dangerous
reverting to front-end duties on Saturday. The dark bay colt is bred to easily
handle nine furlongs, owns huge BRIS Speed ratings and could catch a
speed-favoring track Saturday.

GREELEY’S LEGACY (Mr. Greeley) could find a wet track to his liking and
challenge for the place. Breaking from a tough outside post (9), he offered a
strong rally late to be fourth in the Gotham, missing by only 1 1/4 lengths, and
the added ground Saturday probably won’t hurt the improving colt. He’ll offer
much better value for second than BOB AND JOHN (Seeking the Gold) and owns an
outside shot at the upset.

Bob and John must be respected, but the Bob Baffert-trained colt has never
been on a wet track or raced outside of Southern California. He doesn’t need a
win here to keep moving forward in respect to the Kentucky Derby (G1), and he
appears very capable of running well. The dark bay earned triple-digit Speed
numbers in his first two starts this year, including a 106 for a 4 1/2-length
tally in the Sham S. (G3), and didn’t run badly when finishing a troubled third
in the San Felipe S. (G2) last time. We still have some doubts about his overall
quality, but Bob and John is still dangerous and should be in position to pounce
with his tactical speed if the top choice falters.

If the track is fast, Deputy Glitters looks like a serious player for the top
three. However, he ran poorly in the sloppy Champagne S. (G1) last October and
trainer Tom Albertrani says the colt doesn’t like it wet. We’ll look for him to
scratch and run again next week in another Kentucky Derby prep.

JAZIL (Seeking the Gold) didn’t fire when making his stakes bow in the
Fountain of Youth but may improve in his second stakes attempt for Kiaran
McLaughlin. We like the rail post and will include him in some gimmicks at a
price. MARCO’S TALE (Tale of the Cat) is going well at present for trainer Rene
Araya and offers some appeal for the exotics, but we’ll just watch to see how he
fares in his stakes debut.

SCANLON’S SONG (Partner’s Hero) is stuck on the far outside and has not shown
enough so far for us to recommend his chances. NIAGARA CAUSEWAY (Giant’s
Causeway) broke his maiden two starts back at Santa Anita but was outclassed
when stepping up in the Santa Catalina S. (G2) last time. For a three-year-old
who has never earned a Speed rating better than 89 in three dirt starts, this
spot looks too ambitious. PLATINUM COUPLE (Tale of the Cat) doesn’t look fast
enough to be a serious factor.