Meet the Contender: 2025 Wood Memorial Stakes
Captain Cook winning the Withers S. at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Joe Labozzetta)
April 1st, 2025
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents the opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your Stable Alerts.
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Rodriguez wins at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)
#1 Rodriguez ****
Pro: Placed in a pair of Santa Anita preps against much stronger foes.
Con: Baffert trainees have struck out in non-California Derby preps of late.
Captain Cook winning the Withers S. at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Joe Labozzetta)
#2 Captain Cook *****
Pro: Undefeated since joining the Dutrow barn, including snappy Withers score.
Con: Hasn’t been beating the toughest competition and the price still figures low.
Tiger Twenty Four wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#3 Tiger Twenty Four *
Pro: Has shown gradual improvement each start for Hall of Fame trainer.
Con: Making a big leap from maiden company to a competitive Derby prep.
My Mitole wins at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#4 My Mitole **
Pro: Adds blinkers after running an even fourth in Gotham (G3).
Con: Based on the last run, others have stronger class claims.
Sand Devil wins at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photo / Credit to Chelsea Durrand)
#5 Sand Devil **
Pro: NY-bred was second best in the Gotham in first try versus open company.
Con: After his last runner-up effort in the Gotham, he may have distance limitations.
Hill Road training before the 2024 Breeders' Cup. (Photo by Horsephotos.com)
#6 Hill Road *****
Pro: BC Juvenile (G1) third should move forward off his season debut at Tampa.
Con: Hasn’t shown much tactical speed in either U.S. start; needs strong pace.
Grande wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#7 Grande ****
Pro: Repole/Pletcher is a potent combo, and this son of Curlin has shown promise.
Con: Stakes newcomer doesn’t figure to offer much value, given his connections.
TwinSpires
#8 Passion Rules **
Pro: Brad Cox trainee enters undefeated and all around two turns.
Con: Beat much softer in the first two, and this will be his first serious class test.
Bear Claw Necklace wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#9 Bear Claw Necklace *
Pro: Barn won this two years ago with a 59-1 outsider, Lord Miles.
Con: Speed ratings simply don’t stack up with those of the main players.
McAfee wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)
#10 McAfee **
Pro: The “other” Dutrow trainee might benefit from a comeback run in Gotham.
Con: Given the competition he’s faced, he appears a cut or two below on class.
TwinSpires
#11 Statesman **
Pro: Much improved this season, going two turns on dirt.
Con: Hasn’t faced a field of this caliber yet, and speed ratings are a bit low.
TwinSpires
#12 Omaha Omaha ***
Pro: Has earned a piece of the purse in all three prior Derby prep attempts.
Con: One-dimensional closer will be reliant on a swift pace that’s not assured.
