Three Takeaways from 2022 Gotham Stakes

Mar 09, 2022 James Scully/TwinSpires.com

Kentucky Derby points were offered at a one-turn mile in the
Gotham S. (G3), the third of four qualifiers at Aqueduct in 2022.

Sharp score
to remain unblemished

Morello did not
disappoint as the even-money favorite, winning geared down by 4 1/2 lengths.
After tracking the pace in second, he effortlessly seized command in upper
stretch, and the chestnut colt improved to 3-for-3 for Steve Asmussen.

He’s yet to be seriously challenged, winning his three
starts by a combined 13 3/4 lengths. Morello registered a career-best 99
Brisnet Speed rating in the Gotham, five points higher than his victory in the
seven-furlong Jimmy Winkfield S. on March 5.

It’s easy to be encouraged by what we’ve seen so far.

Two-turn
question

Morello possesses the pedigree for longer distances, but he
still has to prove it. The opportunity may come in the April 9 Wood Memorial
(G2) at Aqueduct.

By Classic Empire, Morello is out a mare by Congrats, a son
of A.P. Indy, and additional stamina influences can be found in the immediate female
family.

Morello appeared to have plenty in the tank crossing the
Gotham finish line.

Suspect
competition

He hasn’t faced the crème of the three-year-old crop, far
from it most likely. Morello was one of only two stakes winners in the 10-horse
Gotham field, and the other (Rockefeller) wound up last after stumbling at the
break.

If he heads to the Wood, or another major Kentucky Derby
qualifier, Morello will face a significant class check next time.

It’s been a long time since the Gotham has had any impact
upon the Kentucky Derby. Cloud Computing, who finished second in the 2017
Gotham, is the last participant to win a Triple Crown race, upsetting the
Preakness at 13-1, but he skipped the Kentucky Derby.