Like Now pulls off upset, takes Gotham
Like Now cruised into the Kentucky Derby picture with a huge upset in yesterday's Gotham Stakes in New York.
The 3-year-old gelding took the lead from the start and never gave an inch in holding off Keyed Entry for a narrow victory at Aqueduct in a key prep race for the May 6 Derby.
Favorite Achilles of Troy broke poorly from the gate and was never in contention. After finishing fifth, jockey Ramon Dominguez pulled up the colt around the clubhouse turn. Achilles of Troy, considered a top Derby prospect, did not appear seriously injured and was vanned off the track in a horse ambulance.
Like Now, who went off at odds of 36-1, gives trainer Kiaran McLaughlin another long-shot Derby contender. Last year, McLaughlin's Closing Argument finished second to Giacomo in the Derby at odds of 71-1.
San Felipe Stakes -- A.P. Warrior beat a pair of powerhouses from Bob Baffert's barn at Santa Anita, giving trainer John Shirreffs an unexpected contender for his second straight Kentucky Derby victory.
Baffert's Point Determined was second in his stakes debut and stablemate and heavy favorite Bob and John was forced to go five-wide on the final turn and had to rally to hold on for third.
Tampa Bay Derby -- Deputy Glitters turned the tables on favorite Bluegrass Cat and joined the road to the Kentucky Derby.
Bluegrass Cat, the 2-5 favorite who defeated Deputy Glitters in the Sam F. Davis last month, made a late run but Deputy Glitters pulled away for a 2-length victory.
Shirley Jones Breeders' Cup Handicap -- Splendid Blended beat Beautiful Bets by 3 1/4 lengths at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla.
Splendid Blended, ridden by Manoel Cruz, ran 7 furlongs in 1:21.62 and paid $8, $4.40, and $4. The 4-year-old daughter of Unbridled's Song has won five of eight starts.
Rebel Stakes -- Lawyer Ron continued his winning streak at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark.
Lawyer Ron was a late favorite among the crowd of 32,983 and paid $5.60, $3.80, $2.80 for his 3-length victory in the 1 1/16-mile race.
