While the New York Racing Association has two grade 1 stakes for 2-year-olds, the Dec. 7 Remsen Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct Racetrack has been a much more reliable indicator of Triple Crown success. A year ago, the Remsen was captured by Dornoch , who went on to prevail in the Belmont Stakes (G1) and Haskell Stakes (G1). The runner-up, Sierra Leone, lost by a nose in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and was third in the Belmont. He closed out the year by winning the $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1).
As in the past, the top five finishers in the Remsen will receive 10-5-3-2-1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve qualifying points.
1. Tux: Won his debut nicely at 6 1/2 furlongs for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. Speed figure for the effort was average but he does have the breeding to handle the two-turn distance. Will be helped by a rail trip.
JOCKEY: Junior Alvarado; TRAINER: Bill Mott
2. Aviator Gui: Was tested on grass last time in the Awad Stakes and didn't fire. Returns to dirt where he broke his maiden. Should turn in an improved effort but will need to take a step forward to be a top threat here.
JOCKEY: Manny Franco; TRAINER: Chad Brown
3. Poster: He's unbeaten in two starts, but they were on turf. Has the pedigree to handle dirt but his speed figures are on the low side.
JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Eoin Harty
4. Studlydoright: In six starts, his only weak effort came in the Hopeful Stakes. Turned in a big effort to win the Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct and if he can duplicate that effort he'll be a big threat. There's also a good chance he might bounce off that try.
JOCKEY: Xavier Perez; TRAINER: John Robb
5. Keewaydin: Turned in a stellar maiden win in his second try earning a fast time at seven furlongs. Has the breeding to excel at two turns and comes from a top barn. There's lots to like here.
JOCKEY: Dylan Davis; TRAINER: Chad Brown
6. Surfside Moon: He's winless on dirt and seems overmatched here.
JOCKEY: Kendrick Carmouche; TRAINER: James Lawrence
7. Gun Trader: Needed six tries to break his maiden at Parx Racing and his speed figures are quite low. Pass.
JOCKEY: Francisco Martinez; TRAINER: Uriah St. Lewis
THE PICK: Keewaydin
LIVE LONGSHOT: Aviator Gui
SUPERFECTA: 5-1-2-4
