Deterministic came off a long layoff and promptly put himself in the Kentucky Derby (G1) picture with a rousing victory in the $300,000 Gotham (G3) over a sloppy Aqueduct Racetrack on Saturday.
In his only other race, back on Aug. 12, Deterministic won at 7 furlongs at Saratoga. Under Joel Rosario in the 1-mile Gotham, the 3-year-old split horses in the stretch and won by two lengths over closing 8-5 favorite Just a Touch.
Brad Cox – Courtesy of Churchill Downs
A final prep for Deterministic could come in the Wood Memorial (G2) at the Big A on April 6, but Miguel Clement said a decision will come later. Rice said El Grande O will be pointed to the Wood
Trainer Brad Cox had four entered in the 11-horse field: Just a Touch (second), Lightline (seventh), Bergen (eighth), and Air Cav (11th).
“It looked like he (Just a Touch) finished up well. He showed enough speed and he’s obviously still learning, but I think he’ll be better around two turns,’’ Cox said, adding that his other “might have been overmatched.”
The field was reduced to 11 after race day scratches of Khantae and Slider.
Clement, in his 34th year as a trainer, is considered among the top trainers of turf horses, does have a Belmont Stakes (G1) win with Tonalist in 2014.