The first stakes race on Gotham day was the $65,000 Fred "Cappy" Capossela Stakes for 3-year-olds sprinting 6 furlongs on the inner dirt. Castaneda, the longest shot on the board at 6-1, quickly opened a 3 length lead down the backstretch, setting fractions of 22.67 and 45.98, and held that advantage the whole way, cruising to a 3 length victory over 3-1 third choice Strapping Groom in 1:10.48. It was another 5 1/2 lengths back to 8-5 Golden Ghost third, and 10 1/2 lengths more to 7-5 favorite Liston in last.
Winning trainer Gary Contessa said, "It was not my thought to come into this race, but when we heard it was going to be a light field, we decided to enter. This horse has just found himself sprinting. He's a good horse and a New York-bred as well. He probably could use a little time off after this race, but he might be Bay Shore material. We'll see."
Results Chart from Daily Racing Form
