By Jason Shandler
Courtesy of Blood-Horse
Eskendereya likely solidified himself as the horse to beat in next month’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum Brands (gr. I) by romping past five overmatched rivals in the $750,000 Wood Memorial (gr. I) April 3 at Aqueduct in a dominating 9 3/4-length victory.
Sent off as the 1-2 favorite based on his 8 1/2-length score in the Feb. 20 Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II) at Gulfstream Park, Eskendereya needed to prove himself against grade I company and earn enough to make it into the starting gate in the May 1 Derby at Churchill Downs. Mission accomplished.
“The horse is amazing,” said trainer Todd Pletcher. “The further he goes the stronger he gets. The horse has natural stamina.”
