Inherit the Gold targets the Excelsior yet again this year
Inherit the Gold exiting a second place finish in the Mr. G.J.G. at Aqueduct race course on 12 February, 2012, over a distance of 1 mile and 70 yards to winner, Stormy’s Majesty, is pointed toward the Grade 3, $150,000 Excelsior Stakes at Aqueduct race course,
going over a distance of 1 1/8 miles on dirt against 5 other 3-year-old and above colts and geldings on 17 March, 2012.
Trained by James Hooper for his wife Susanne Hooper and Glas-Tipp Stable, Inherit the Gold has raced over at the Aqueduct’s dirt track for 5 consecutive times, debuting his 2012 campaign at the same course in the Haynesfield Stakes, and winning the race
going over a distance of 1 1/16 miles on 22 January, 2012, and defeating Socialsaul in second and Uncle T Seven in third, while covering the distance in 1 minute and 43.05 seconds.
The New York bred 6-year-old gelded son of Gold Token, out of mare Melissa’s Sunshine by Personal Flag, Inherit the Gold will be returning to the track for his 11th start there, and will look to defend his title in the 1 1/8 mile Excelsior Stakes
after winning it last year.
Inherit the Gold will be returning to open company for the first time since finishing second to winner Ron The Greek in the Queens County Stakes at Aqueduct on 10 December, 2011 at about 1 3/16 miles.
“I don't see a lot of different between him this year and last year," said Jim Hooper. He still seems to enjoy what he's doing, and I'm sure on Saturday he'll come with his game face on."
Inherit the Gold drew post number 3, and will be ridden by E Castro with 6 to 1 odds.
"I don't know if it's so much a matter of him liking the inner track as he's coming around at the right time," said Hooper of Inherit the Gold. "I think he's run well elsewhere, too. The important thing Saturday is it looks like there will be plenty of speed
for him to run at."
Todd Pletcher trained, San Pablo, will be send off as the favourite to win the race with the odds of 2 to 1. The 4-year-old colt has landed 5 races in 8 starts, and recently strung together a hat-trick, and in his last start was nosed out by Marilyn’s Guy
in the As Indicated Stakes at Aqueduct.
Tags: