Will Aqueduct’s bugler play “Auld Lang Syne” during the post parade for Saturday’s 101st Wood Memorial? It would be a nice way to salute its finale at a 122-year-old track that will close for good in late June.
New York’s prime Kentucky Derby (G1) prep has showcased four eventual Triple Crown champions – Gallant Fox (1930), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Seattle Slew (1977). Unfortunately, the Wood’s glory days are in the distant past, and its prestige dropped dramatically in the 21st century. Its winner hasn’t won the Derby since 2000 (Fusaichi Pegasus), and it was downgraded to Grade 2 status in 2017.
That doesn’t mean it hasn’t featured significant horses in recent years. In 2022, Mo Donegal and Early Voting ran 1-2, respectively, in the Wood before the former won the Belmont Stakes (G1) and the latter took the Preakness Stakes (G1). Vino Rosso, the 2018 Wood hero, dominated the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) the next year.
This year’s Wood is heavy on quantity (13 horses) but light on quality (only one Grade 1 winner, Napoleon Solo). But it’s a good betting race, and the first two finishers will earn 100 and 50 qualifying points for the May 2 Derby. The next three get 25, 15 and 10.
No one in the race has shown the ability of 3-year-old stars Commandment and Renegade, but when it comes to lightly raced young horses, you never can tell what will happen.
For those who like to bet on racing, here’s a horse-by-horse analysis of the Wood. The field from the rail out, with jockey, trainer and odds in parentheses:
Expect Lopez to go for the lead with this speedy colt, who was scratched from last Saturday’s Arkansas Derby (G1) to run here. He had excuses last out when fifth in his 2026 debut, his first time going two turns. He had an awkward start and a wide trip while chasing Commandment and the promising Chief Wallabee. Won the mile Champagne (G1) at the Big A last year; should handle nine furlongs.
Course-and-distance winner moves up in class after going wire to wire in 11-length romp. Led all the way in both his victories, but he’ll have company up front against the best field he’s faced.
Lost twice to Iron Honor by a combined 16½ lengths. Speed figures are weak, and he’s never gone two turns.
Overcame a slow start and came from far back early to win his debut at 18-1 odds in one-turn mile at Gulfstream. Time was slow, and it’s rare to win a two-turn graded stakes in your second start. Doubting Hall of Famer Mott is usually not wise, but this looks like too much, too soon.
He’s 0-for-5 and was beaten by a combined 16 lengths in his only two graded stakes. Needs to break his maiden before tackling tougher fields.
Tries open company and two turns for the first time in five career starts. Showed speed in two sprint wins, so expect him to be sent early. Likely pace casualty.
Enters off slow maiden win in two-turn debut. Drew off as 1-2 favorite after pressing a slow pace; won’t get such an easy trip this time.
Chased standouts Paladin and Renegade going 1 1/8 miles in the Remsen (G2) and Risen Star (G2). He wasn’t going to beat them, but he did have excuses in both races (awkward start, bumped). Bred to go long (by Curlin out of a Bernardini mare) and training well in Florida. Pletcher has owned the Wood (seven wins), so he wouldn’t be the worst stab.
Was 2-for-2 at Aqueduct before finishing second at Gulfstream in the Holy Bull (G3) and fourth in his bad-trip Fountain of Youth (G2). Won’t win but might complete a trifecta or a superfecta.
Earned a trip up the New Jersey Turnpike from Philadelphia after 13-length romp in the slop at Parx. Could contribute to quick early fractions, but that’s about it.
Won going 1 1/8 miles at Big A in second start, so distance isn’t a problem. Unfortunately, class might be an issue, because he finished 11 lengths behind Talk to Me Jimmy in the Withers.
Six-time Derby champion Baffert hasn’t had much luck lately with his Derby hopefuls. Litmus Test, Brant and this colt have been disappointing. Buetane is 0-for-4 in stakes, including flops as the 6-5, 1-2 and 3-2 favorite. He’s 0-for-2, beaten a combined 9¾ lengths, going two turns and looks like a sprinter/miler.
If not for being stuck in post 13 with a short run to the first turn, this colt would look very hard to beat. He has excellent speed and pace figures and an outstanding distance pedigree (by Derby hero Nyquist out of a mare by Classic winner Blame). He’s 2-for-2 pressing the pace and should win if Franco can avoid a wide trip.
Ed McNamara is an award-winning racing writer who has covered the sport since 1981 for The Bergen (N.J.) Record, Newsday, ESPN, Thorocap, and USRacing. He is the author of Cajun Racing: From the Bush Tracks to the Triple Crown and Racing Around the World, and a contributor to The Most Glorious Crown and The Racetracks of America. He has also written for racing publications in France and Italy.
