Vino Rosso Toasts To Kentucky Derby Qualifying With Wood Memorial Win

By Margaret Ransom

Vino Rosso (outside) wins the 2018 Wood Memorial under John Velazquez, 4/7/18. Photo: Rob Mauhar/NYRA

Trainer Todd Pletcher added yet another powerful runner to this year’s Kentucky Derby picture on Saturday with Repole Stable and Elias Stable’s Vino Rosso, who captured the $1 million Wood Memorial Stakes (GI) at Aqueduct. Under jockey John Velazquez, the chestnut son of Curlin made a bold move from of the pace to win by three lengths as 4-1 third choice in the field of eight others and was good for $10.20, $4.40 and $3.40.

Gotham Stakes (GIII) winner Enticed, as the 6-5 favorite, held on for runner-up honors and was good for $2.90 and $2.40. California shipper Restoring Hope checked in for third, another 2 ¼ lengths back, and paid $3.30 at 7-2. The exacta returned $15.70 and the $.50 trifecta was worth $26.62.

Firenze Fire, Heartfullofstars, King Zachary, Evaluator, Old Time Revival and Catch Twenty Two rounded out the order of finish.

In the early going of the nine-furlong race, Vino Rosso… (more)