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Gemologist to Wood; Bode could go to Arkansas
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| Gemologist won so easily that Todd Pletcher doesn't mind running him back in three weeks
(Adam Coglianese Photography) |
Undefeated Grade 2 hero Gemologist will use the Grade 1 Wood Memorial at
Aqueduct on April 7 as his final prep for the Kentucky Derby, owner WinStar Farm
confirmed via Twitter on Monday.The Todd Pletcher trainee, who concluded 2011 with a victory in the Grade 2
Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs, dominated a Gulfstream Park allowance
in his sophomore debut last Friday.
"Gemologist came out of his race great! We have decided his next start will be in
the Wood Memorial," WinStar posted.
In the course of his seven-length romp, the Tiznow colt handed Grade 1
Hopeful winner Currency Swap his first loss, while speeding the mile in 1:35
4/5. Gemologist is now a perfect four-for-four.
Also formulating plans is Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who tweeted that
Bodemeister could join Secret Circle in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn
Park on April 14.
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Bodemeister, a 9 1/4-length maiden winner at Santa Anita on February 11, ran
a mighty second to Creative Cause in his stakes debut in the Grade 2 San Felipe
on March 10.
Although Bodemeister could stay home for the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on
April 7, Baffert revealed that a trip to Oaklawn was also under consideration
for the son of Empire Maker.
Stablemate Secret Circle is already confirmed for the Arkansas Derby, where
he will look to complete a sweep of Oaklawn's graded series for three-year-olds.
Hero of the second (and faster) division of the Grade 3 Southwest, he captured
this past Saturday's Grade 2 Rebel Stakes on his return trip.
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