Gotham Kicks Off Spring Meet
Updated: Thursday, March 13, 2003 2:45 PM
Posted: Tuesday, March 11, 2003 1:51 PM
The spring racing season at Aqueduct officially kicks off today, with a 1 p.m. post. One of the highlights of opening weekend is Sunday's Gotham Stakes (gr. III), which will be televised live during ESPN2's 90-minute telecast beginning at 4:30 p.m. Usually run at a mile on the main track, the Gotham will be run at a mile and 70 yards on the inner track.
Usually run at a mile on the main track, the Gotham will be run at a mile and 70 yards on the inner track.
Leading the list of expected Gotham runners in Team Valor's Colita, who won back-to-back starts over the inner track before heading to Tampa Bay Downs as the even-money favorite in the Sam Davis. The Grindstone colt broke from the outside 10-post over the sloppy track, reached contention at the top of the stretch but could not punch on after a wide trip.
Also scheduled to ship in from Florida is Hardwicke Stable's Spite The Devil, who was beaten as the 8-5 favorite in a Feb. 15 allowance race at Gulfstream.
Tim Ritchey and Gary Capuano, two Maryland-based trainers are set to ship in Gimmeawink and Cherokee Boy, respectively. Gimmeawink won the Feb. 8 Miracle Wood Stakes at Laurel and Cherokee Boy is a multiple stakes winner against Maryland breds.
Others expected for the Gotham include Grey Comet, Torre and Zim, Brush with Gold, Max Forever, Midnight Charlie, New York Hero, Parnell Square, and Your Bluffing.
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