Turtle Bird Stable’s HAYNESFIELD (Speightstown) made a name for himself by
virtue of convincing wins in the Whirlaway S. and Count Fleet S. this winter,
but the Steve Asmussen-trained colt didn’t face much competition over the inner
track at Aqueduct. He’ll answer the class question when he takes on eight
challengers in Saturday’s $250,000
Gotham S.
(G3). Top rivals in the 1 1/16-mile event include CashCall Futurity (G1)
runner-up I WANT REVENGE (Stephen Got Even), impressive Gulfstream allowance
winner IMPERIAL COUNCIL (Empire Maker) and unbeaten MR. FANTASY (E Dubai).
Haynesfield will bring a three-stakes win streak into the Gotham. The New
York-bred chestnut opened his run with an easy 5 1/4-length tally in the
restricted Damon Runyon S. on December 7. He captured the January 3 Count Fleet
by 3 1/2 lengths, and dominated the February 7 Whirlaway on the front end,
drawing clear to a 6 1/4-length decision. C.C. Lopez will pick up the mount from
Ramon Dominguez, who will be in California to ride.
I Want Revenge will make his dirt debut for Jeff Mullins. After breaking his
maiden at Hollywood in late October, the dark bay colt registered an excellent
second in the CashCall Futurity over the Cushion Track, missing by only a nose
to Pioneerof the Nile (Empire Maker). He didn’t fire his best shot when adding
blinkers for the Robert B. Lewis S. (G2) over the Pro-Ride last time, checking in a
decent third, and is eligible to improve without the headgear on Saturday.
Joseph Talamo will be in for the ride, and I Want Revenge will flatter his West
Coast mates with a strong showing.
Imperial Council received plenty of notice for his good-looking maiden
special weight victory at Belmont Park in early October, but the Shug McGaughey
pupil wasn’t seen under silks again until February 14. He returned to the races
in excellent fashion, rallying strongly to win a 6 1/2-furlong allowance by two
lengths, and the Sequoia Racing-owned colt is bred to relish the added distance
on Saturday. Rajiv Maragh will pick up the mount on the exciting prospect.
Mr. Fantasy has reeled off two daylight scores over New York-bred rivals.
After breaking his maiden by 10 1/2 lengths going six furlongs over the inner
track on December 28, the Kiaran McLaughlin trainee stretched out to 1 1/16
miles and crushed allowance foes by an 8 1/2-length margin at the Big A on
February 1. Alan Garcia will be up for the class check. McLaughlin is also
responsible for California Derby runner-up AXEL FOLEY (Officer), who will make
his first start for the horseman after making his first three U.S. starts in
California. The English maiden winner exits a fourth in the El Camino Real Derby
(G3).
Aqueduct will also offer the $100,000
Toboggan
H. (G3) for sprinters. Nine older horses will contest the six-furlong test, and
LUCKY ISLAND (Arg) (Lucky Roberto) will attempt to regain his winning ways. The
five-year-old horse won four straight last season, including victories in the
Tom Fool H. (G2) and Bold Ruler H. (G3), but he’s finished out of the money in
his last three starts. ETERNAL STAR (Five Star Day), DRIVEN BY SUCCESS (Precise
End), PLACE YOUR BET (Out of Place) and JOEY P. (Close Up) are also entered.