A Taste of Texas at Aqueduct

On a Friday afternoon in late December, I rushed over to the Mandalay Bay Race & Sports Book at lunchtime to watch the seventh race at Philadelphia Park. It was an ordinary first-level allowance race for 2-year-old colts and geldings. I was there to watch my friend's newly acquired horse, Dynamic Dan.

Unfortunately, old Dan didn’t fare so well, finishing a distant third, and he’s headed toward claiming company at Laurel. I saved money because Mandalay Bay wasn’t taking bets on Philly that day. But I also found a good looking colt to put on my Watch List.

The winner of the race, Texas Wildcatter, really impressed me. The grey son of 2001 Derby winner Monarchos rocketed off the final turn and drove powerfully through the stretch to a 10 1/2 -length win at 4-5. Obviously, because he was running at Philly, he wasn’t originally considered one of Todd Pletcher’s top Derby contenders, but that probably changed after the stunning performance. Texas Wildcatter has a pedigree that says he develop with maturity and with longer distances. Could a Dec. 28 allowance at Philly Park really produce Derby contender?

Texas Wildcatter makes his 3-year-old debut in Saturday’s Whirlaway Stakes at Aqueduct. New York’s second step on the road to the Kentucky Derby. He’s my pick to win the $100,000 race and he won’t be favored.

Texas Wildcatter faces six other colts and geldings in the Whirlaway. Undefeated Giant Moon, winner of the Jan. 5 Count Fleet, is conspicuously absent. Trainer Rick Schosberg has decided to rest him and train up to the Gotham (G3).

Texas Wildcatter’s main competition looks like it should come from the 2-3-4 finishers in the Count Fleet. Spanky Fischbein, also trained by Pletcher, couldn’t hold off Giant Moon in the Count Fleet, missing by a neck after setting a comfortable pace. Now he’s drawn on the extreme outside. I’m not crazy about his win chances, but I’ll use him in exactas.

Roman Emperor disappointed as the 2-1 favorite in the Count Fleet, but the Empire Maker colt should rebound from a better inside post this time for sharp trainer Steve Klesaris. Barrier Reef, owned by Darley Stable, had no punch after racing wide in the Count Fleet. I expect him to be more effective with the inside draw on Saturday also.

I’m taking a negative view of newcomers Cave’s Valley and Apple Special. Cave’s Valley is coming off a disappointing, trouble-filled race in the in the Delta Jackpot, though I respect his trainer, Michael Trombetta. Apple Special will be making his two-turn debut and his first start outside the state of Maryland. Sonic Boom is overmatched.

I say #5 Texas Wildcatter is the real deal. I’m going to play him to win and place. I’ll also play exactas with #1 Roman Emperor, #2 Barrier Reef and #7 Spanky Fischbein.