We have seven horses entered for the Withers Stakes. This Kentucky Derby prep race is a mile and an eighth on the main track, and with the rain that fell yesterday, there is a possibility that the track will be something other than fast today.

Winner of this race will get 20 points towards earning a spot in the gate in three months on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs.
Race 7 – Withers Stakes
Favored in the Withers is the 6 Captain Cook (5/2 ML). He broke his maiden in the slop at Aqueduct at the end of December. He will stretch out an additional two furlongs after that win. This colt was wide last time out, but he will have to negotiate a second turn here today.
The 7 Omaha Omaha (4/1 ML) finished second in the Jerome last time out to an impressive winner last month. He returns to Aqueduct today taking the next step in the New York trail to the Derby. Look for him to close in this race.

The 5 Mo Quality (3/1 ML) last races at Oaklawn Park in the Smarty Jones where he was close to the pace but could not keep up with the winner that day. He has proven to be versatile so far in his young career having closed well in his debut at Keeneland and stalking at Churchill Downs.
The 1 Global Steve (6/1 ML) comes in from Parx where he won the Parx Future Stars Stakes going seven furlongs on a sloppy track. He will go two turns here for the first time here at Aqueduct. He may be a horse that is limited in terms of these longer races, but trainer Butch Reid did win this race last year with Uncle Heavy in an exciting edition of this race.
Joe’s Pick
This is a race where you might want to look at the breeding and see which horses are bred to go longer. Omaha Omaha may be bred the best for this distance and beyond. He also has a running style where he can pick off tiring front runners here today.
I’ll call this race 7-6-5-1 and my play is $20 to win on the 7. Best of luck everyone and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
