Battalion Runner returns in G2 Wood Memorial
Battalion Runner who was scratched by trainer Todd Pletcher from last weekends Florida Derby, returns to Aqueducts main track in the G2 $750,000 Wood Memorial at 1 1/8 miles
A small field will assemble for their final Kentucky Derby prep race on Saturday at Aqueduct as racing over the main dirt track resumes in New York.
Battalion Runner who won his last two starts in South Florida will be making his first start for points towards a possible place in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby.
He’ll face several runners looking to add to their points total including Cloud Computing (20), Mo Town (10), Irish War Cry (10), True Timber (6), and Bonus Points (5).
There’s a total of 170 points available with 100 going to the winner, 40 to the runner-up, 20 to the third place finisher and 10 for taking the last spot on the tote board. Anything less than a third place finish for True Timber or Bonus Points and they’ll be out of contention for the Derby.
The Wood Memorial has not be kind to Kentucky Derby contenders in recent times.
In 2009 I Want Revenge won the Wood Memorial and was headed to Louisville as the favorite only to be knocked out by an injury and scratched the morning of the race.
In 2010 Eskendereya won the Wood and was headed to the Derby as the favorite. But he too was injured and had to be scratched during Derby week.
Watch the replay of the 2009 and 2010 Wood Memorial
Coverage of the G1 $1 million Blue Grass Stakes
Coverage of the G1 $1 million Santa Anita Derby
Like talking horses? Share what you know, below, in the comments section.
