Albus rallies for Wood Memorial upset

Apr 04, 2026 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

The last edition of the $750,000 Wood Memorial (G2) held at Aqueduct probably won't be considered a vintage renewal, but don't tell that to trainer Riley Mott and the folks at Pin Oak Stud.

Already assured a Kentucky Derby (G1) starter when Incredibolt won last month's Virginia Derby, Mott and Pin Oak now have a second courtesy of Albus, who pulled off an 11-1 upset in the Wood Memorial on Saturday.

Exiting a 6 3/4-length maiden win at Tampa Bay Downs in his third lifetime start, Albus was plenty good enough to win this Wood. Saving ground while racing in the second tier down the backside, Albus gradually improved positioned around the far turn, and then swung wide for the stretch run.

Splitting rivals approaching the eighth pole, Albus seized the lead and drew away to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Under Jaime Torres, Albus covered 1 1/8 miles over a fast track in 1:51.71, slower than the 1:50.97 posted by the Kentucky Oaks (G1) prospect Always a Runner in the Gazelle (G3) one race earlier.

Albus paid $25.78 to win and earned 100 Kentucky Derby qualifying points. Completing the trifecta were 38-1 chance Right to Party, whose point total increased from 15 to 65, and 28-1 shot Ocelli, a maiden who earned 25 points.

Bravaro finished fourth, increasing his total from 18 to 33 points, while Napoleon Solo weakened to fifth after setting the pace. He now has 20 Derby points.

The disappointment in the field of 12 was 2.95-1 favorite Iron Honor, who finished seventh. He still has 50 Derby qualifying points, courtesy of his win in last month's Gotham (G3).

Although sired by a sprinter, Yaupon, Albus' dam Adream, was sired by Preakness (G1) and Travers (G1) winner Bernardini. Albus' half-sister, Song of Spring, won the nine-furlong Allaire duPont Distaff (G3) over nine furlongs.

'He always struck us – from the time he was getting broke on the farm – that he'd be a two-turn type,' said Mott, whose father Bill saddled last year's Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty.