In the $750,000 Wood Memorial (G1), the on-track crowd of just 7,698 at Aqueduct saw nine possible Triple Crown contenders go 9 furlongs on the main track looking to gain a spot in the Kentucky Derby field. Entrants and spectators enjoyed a sunny Saturday afternoon with temperatures in the upper 50's, in contrast to the steady rain that fell on Friday. Champion War Pass, who was last in the Tampa Bay Derby in his last start, was again odds-on at 9-10 on the board, with Remsen winner Court Vision the 5-2 second choice over Gotham runner-up Texas Wildcatter the 9-2 third choice.
As expected War Pass went straight to the lead and was pressured to his outside by Inner Light, entered as a rabbit for Court Vision. War Pass held off Inner Light by 1/2 a length during the first 4 furlongs in 22.46 and 46.47. Tale of Ekati sat in stalking position third down the backstretch. With 3/8 of a mile to go, Inner Light tired and dropped out of contention, allowing War Pass to open up a 2 1/2 length lead on Tale of Ekati, getting 6f in 1:11.50. Early in the stretch run, it looked like War Pass was homefree, but at the 3/16 pole Tale of Ekati moved up along the rail. The pair battled through the final furlong, but Tale of Ekati dug in to prevail by 1/2 a length at the line in a time of 1:52.35 over the fast main track. It was another 1 1/4 lengths back to late-running Court Vision who put in a strong rally from 8th.
Results chart from DRF
