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McLaughlin buoyed by Haikal's G3 Gotham score

by NYRA Press Office

• Mind Control targeting G2 Wood Memorial
• Hollendorfer considering options for Instagrand's next start
• New journeyman Gutierrez earns first graded stakes with Do Share
• Kyrillou wins Gotham Challenge and seat to 2019 Belmont Stakes Challenge
• Oxy Lady in good order following runner-up effort in Busher

Speaking from his winter base at Palm Meadows Training Center in South Florida, conditioner Kiaran McLaughlin reported Shadwell Stable's newly minted graded stakes winner Haikal exited his Grade 3, $300,000 Gotham victory on Saturday in good order.

"He looks great," said McLaughlin. "He appears to have come out of the race well and I have to say that [assistant] Joe Lee and our team in New York have done a great job with him."

Picking up 50 qualifying points with yesterday's victory, McLaughlin said he will point Haikal towards the Grade 2, $750,000 Wood Memorial, which offers 100-40-20-10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points, for his next start. The nine-furlong Wood, slated for Saturday, April 6, will see its purse increased to $1 million if a Grade 1 or Group 1 winner is declared an official starter.

"He's won at six [furlongs], he's won at seven [furlongs], and now he's won at eight [furlongs], so we're going to give him a shot at nine [furlongs]," said McLaughlin. "I'll definitely be in town for that race."

A half-brother to graded stakes winner Takaful, who also started his 3-year-old campaign on the Derby trail before ultimately excelling as a sprinter winning the Grade 1 Vosburgh at Belmont Park, Haikal has wheeled off three consecutive victories.

In addition to a December 15 maiden win, the son of Daaher captured his first stakes on February 8 at the Big A, winning the Jimmy Winkfield ahead of his Gotham coup.

Sent off as the 4-1 second-choice in the Gotham, Haikal stayed true to his late running style under jockey Rajiv Maragh. In seventh position early in the field of eight, he rallied from the outside in the final furlong to run down three competitors to earn a one-length victory.

"On paper it looked like he would benefit from a lot of pace in the race," said McLaughlin. "I'm just happy when they opened the gate, that stayed true to form. They really went fast up front going a half [mile] in 44 [seconds] and change. That really benefited us, and Rajiv gave him the perfect ride."

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Mind Control targeting Wood Memorial

Red Oak Stable and Madaket Stables' Grade 1-winner Mind Control, trained by Gregory Sacco, continues to thrive at Aqueduct.

The Stay Thirsty bay, who won the Jerome here on New Year's Day earning 10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points, rallied resolutely up the rail to finish second behind Haikal in Saturday's Gotham, earning an additional 20 qualifying points to bring his total to 30.

Bred in Kentucky by Red Oak Stable, Mind Control is tied for fifth in the Kentucky Derby points standings with Game Winner. The colt, who captured the Grade 1 Hopeful at Saratoga in September, is expected to make his next start in the Grade 2, $750,000 Wood Memorial slated for Saturday, April 6 at the Big A. The Wood will see its purse increased to $1 million if any previous Grade 1 or Group 1 winner is declared an official starter in the race.

"Moving forward, going two turns in the Wood is the next logical spot," said Sacco. "He has the tactical speed to be forwardly placed and we know he doesn't need the lead. I think he'll be able to settle and if it's a paceless race he can make it. What we learned yesterday is a real big plus for Mind Control.

"We were really proud of him," added Sacco. "He ran a dynamite race and Kiaran's horse [Haikal] ran an exceptional race. It was a fun race to watch and we're really happy with how he ran."

After winning the Hopeful and the Jerome with front-running performances, Sacco said his team worked hard in the morning to teach the talented colt to settle and make one run.

On Saturday, with the Bob Baffert-trained Much Better setting a quick pace, Mind Control was patiently handled by Hall of Famer John Velazquez from sixth position before rallying into the lead in deep stretch.

"The horse showed a new dimension yesterday. We had trained him in the morning behind horses, let him take dirt, and then finish up," said Sacco. "Yesterday, he really passed a test doing that. It was a hot pace. We took a lot of dirt."

With Much Better staying on and the previously undefeated Instagrand rallying outside the pacesetter, Mind Control was forced to take the rail route.

"Johnny said he came up to the Baffert horse [Much Better] and Instagrand and he forged ahead of them, but this horse just does what he has to do. He doesn't really draw off," said Sacco. "He had those two horses [measured], but Mike Smith [aboard Much Better] was out in the middle of the track because it was the best part of the track the second half of the day.

"Castellano [aboard Instagrand] knows this track as good as anyone and they were both out in the middle of the track, so we had to take the rail," continued Sacco. "It was the deepest part of the track the second half of the day."

While Haikal flew by late down the middle of the track to earn the win, Sacco said he was proud of his horse for passing a maturity test.

"We were really proud he sat off the pace and came up the rail. He didn't see the other horse [Haikal] coming. He had the other two horses beat but he didn't see Haikal coming. Not to take anything away from Kiaran's horse, he flew the last part and ran a great race," said Sacco.

Sacco said Mind Control was in good order this morning following his effort in the Gotham.

"He came out of the race great. He ate up everything and walked good. We're really happy with how he bounced out of the race," said Sacco.

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Hollendorfer considering options for Instagrand's next start

OXO Equine's Instagrand made a creditable return to action with a third-place effort in the Gotham picking up 10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points.

Trained by Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer, Instagrand arrived at the Gotham from an August 11 score in the Grade 2 Best Pal at Del Mar. The Into Mischief bay, bred in Kentucky by Stoneway Farm, stretched out to a mile for the first time in the Gotham, chasing the hot pace set by Much Better from third position and staying on to complete the trifecta behind Haikal and Mind Control.

"It was a very good effort off the long layoff. We're very pleased," said Hollendorfer. "It showed a different dimension and that makes it all the much better."

Hollendorfer said Instagrand came out of the race in good order.

"He was fine this morning. His legs were cold, and he jogged down the road good," said Hollendorfer.

A $1.2 million purchase at Fasig-Tipton's 2018 The Gulfstream Sale, Instagrand will head back to California while Hollendorfer considers his next stop on the Kentucky Derby trail.

"We're nominated all over the country, so we'll figure it out. I think he should be considered for being on the Derby trail," said Hollendorfer.

Hollendorfer also sent out Shivermetimbers on the Gotham Day undercard to finish a good third in the $150,000 Stymie.

"He got left in the gate, but it was a very good effort," said Hollendorfer.

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New journeyman Gutierrez earns first graded stakes with Do Share

Reylu Gutierrez experienced the ups and downs of racing on Saturday's Gotham Day card while plying his trade for the final time as an apprentice.

The 23-year-old rider, whose father, Luis, is a trainer at Finger Lakes, had eight mounts on the card including the call on Do Share in the Grade 3 Tom Fool Handicap and Not That Brady in the Gotham.

Gutierrez utilized a wide, sweeping move aboard Do Share to rally from sixth to first and earn his first graded stakes win in the Tom Fool. The strategy came, in part, to the jockey's smart assessment early on in the card that the outside path may be the best route to victory.

"I rode a horse for Gregory DiPrima named Karabessa and had a great trip. The rail opened up and I had plenty of room to slip up the fence, but my horse just didn't fire through. Either my horse didn't have the courage, or it was getting a little deeper," said Gutierrez. "That changed my view and after following a few more races I saw horses coming from the three and four path winning instead. I had to make an adjustment to make that outside run."

Gutierrez was stepping aboard Do Share, trained by Mike Maker for Three Diamonds Farm, for the first time in the Tom Fool and the rider said he studied a number of replays to be ready for the opportunity.

"It's up to you to be prepared, watch replays and communicate with the assistants and the grooms who work with the horses every day. 'Team Maker' always has their horses prepared so I was very confident," said Gutierrez.

Skyler's Scramjet led the seven-horse Tom Fool field through a blistering opening quarter-mile in 21.92 seconds and the half in 44.83 on the fast main track as Gutierrez waited patiently near the back of the pack.

"Riding here in New York you develop a clock and I knew they were hustling. I was on a very good horse and for them to get that far away from me early in the race, I knew they were whistling," said Gutierrez. "My horse was a closer and I didn't want to be inside. After watching his replays, I wanted to have a clear run at everybody.

"When I tapped my horse on the shoulder the first time and he made a little burst, I knew I had plenty in the tank," continued Gutierrez. "So, let me just wait a little longer and make a sweeping move."

When Gutierrez asked again, Do Share responded with a furious kick, opening up by a length at the top of the lane en route to a 6 1/2-length romp.

Gutierrez said it was an emotional victory with his parents in town to watch him ride.

"I don't know if my mom was prouder of me getting my college degree or winning my first graded stakes," said Gutierrez. "I hope it's the first one, but I love winning for her because she gets so emotional."

Two races later, Gutierrez left the gate aboard Not That Brady with great expectations, but the stakes-winning chestnut failed to fire and finished last of eight.

"'Brady' just wasn't himself. You can't judge him on that race," said Gutierrez. "We all have off days and it was just his off day. He's a class horse."

Despite the disappointing result on the track, Not That Brady did secure a 'win' for the Belmont Child Care Association (BCCA) with his owners Michael Imperio, Lianna Stables [Vinny Vivolo] and trainer Rudy Rodriguez donating $5,000 to the BCCA, who endeavor to provide a safe, supportive and academically inspiring environment for the children of parents working in the thoroughbred racing backstretch area at all three NYRA tracks.

Gutierrez, his agent Jimmy Riccio, and NYRA racing analyst Anthony Stabile also contributed to the BCCA in honor of Not That Brady's run in the Gotham.

"I'm so glad this program is out there. I wish every backside in the country would have something like it," said Gutierrez from a stormy Aqueduct. "Look at the weather out there today. The hardest workers are back there right now getting horses ready, putting bandages on legs and mucking stalls. I did that for a long time for my father and I know what it's like. These guys are the hardest workers and they're taking care of our horses. If there's anything we can do to help, they deserve it."

On Sunday, Gutierrez will leave the gate for the first time as a journeyman and he said that his work ethic will remain the same.

"Nothing changes besides the extra weight I get," said Gutierrez. "I'll be able to ride a lot stronger. I like to get out there in the morning and ride horses. I was out there today and it's flooding out there. I can put my rain suit on and I'll work just as hard, if not harder. I'm happy to be a journeyman."

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Kyrillou wins Gotham Challenge and seat to 2019 Belmont Stakes Challenge

On Saturday, NYRA hosted the Gotham Challenge, the first NYRA handicapping challenge that also featured online play via NYRA Bets.

With 224 contestants, significantly increasing last year's Gotham Challenge entries total by 101 more participants, $36,400 in cash prizes was up for grabs, as well as one qualifying seat to the 2019 Belmont Stakes Challenge and two seats to the 2020 National Horseplayers Championships in Las Vegas.

Finishing in first place was Emily Kyrillou, of Jersey City, NJ, winning her first ever NYRA handicapping challenge. Kyrillou ended the day with a bankroll of $10,327, collecting $12,740 in prize money. For winning first prize, Kyrillou selected one seat to this year's upcoming 2019 Belmont Stakes Challenge in June.

In second-place with a bankroll of $5,119 was Andrew Berg of Roslyn, NY, who was awarded an NHC seat with $6,188 in prize money.

"I was just trying to find some value horses all day long like everybody else in the contest," said Berg. "Two races at Gulfstream actually turned out to be a key factor for me. I used one 70-1 shot [Mass Approval, Race 2] that came second and one 35-1 [Avenida Manana] also finished second, so I caught the exactas there, but kudos to the winner. She crushed it."

Berg, who played in two NYRA handicapping challenges last year and placed in both, prefers participating in NYRA handicapping challenges because of the freedom they allow in not being confined to one area on track.

"I like this format because I can be wherever I want during the day with my location and put my bets in and pick and choose where I take my shot," said Berg.

William Smith of Reisterstown, MD finished in third-place with a bankroll of $4,789 and $4,732 in prize money, taking the remaining NHC seat for the Gotham Challenge.

Of the top seven finishers in Saturday's Gotham Challenge, three competed on-track and four participated online via NYRA Bets. Going forward, each remaining NYRA Handicapping challenge for the year will allow the ability for contestants to register and compete remotely via NYRA Bets.

For a full listing of results and prizes awarded for the Gotham Challenge please visit NYRA.com/challenge. The next NYRA Handicapping Challenge will take place on Wood Memorial Day, Saturday, April 6.

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Oxy Lady in good order following runner-up effort in Busher

Calumet Farm's Oxy Lady endured a difficult trip behind rivals in the Busher Invitational before finding racing room late in the lane to rally for a runner-up effort behind Espresso Shot.

Sisterson said the Oxbow bay, who picked up superficial cuts during the race and was vanned off as a precaution, was in good order this morning at Aqueduct.

"She's great. She ate everything up last night and she's bright eyed and full of energy. It was something we really wanted to see as she did get banged up during the race," said Sisterson. "I can only imagine it happened when she got in tight and had to check out of there. She's 100 percent sound this morning. We were pleased she ran well, and we can't take anything away from the winner."

Oxy Lady picked up 20 qualifying points towards the Kentucky Oaks with her Busher effort bringing her total to 21 and currently sits 9th on the leaderboard.

After winning the Grade 3 Tempted here in November by five lengths, Oxy Lady went on to finish fourth in the Grade 1 Starlet on December 8 at Los Alamitos earning a single Kentucky Oaks qualifying point.

Following a brief respite, she returned to action on February 16 at Fair Grounds when an uncharacteristic sixth in the Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra.

Sisterson said the talented bay will return to Keeneland this afternoon and be further assessed before any decisions are made regarding her next start.

"I'd like to get her home and make sure she's 110 percent coming out of this race," said Sisterson. "It was a very tough race for her, and we were running her back in three weeks after the Rachel Alexandra at Fair Grounds. For the moment, we'll leave every option open for her."

Sisterson said he continues to be impressed by Oxy Lady's improvement as a sophomore.

"Before she debuted, she'd shown a few pieces of work in the morning that she had a lot of talent," said Sisterson. "Once they show that talent in the morning, they have to translate it to the afternoon and barring her race in the Rachel Alexandra, she's been very competitive. She wasn't beaten far in the Grade 1 in California, so she's definitely a very talented filly."