Meet the Contenders: 2023 Wood Memorial

Meet the horses running in the 2023 Wood Memorial (G2) over 1 1/8 miles at Aqueduct on April 8. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well in the Wood Memorial.

#1 DREAMLIKE ***

Pro: Promising colt adds blinkers off fast second; speed may play favorably from rail.

Con: Maiden winless from two career starts.

#2 SHADOW DRAGON **

Pro: Holy Bull (G3) runner-up broke maiden at Aqueduct.

Con: Must rebound from dull effort, lower Speed figures.

#3 KNOX *

Pro: Exits improved runner-up effort.

Con: Probably needs easier competition.

#4 GENERAL BANKER **

Pro: Third in Gotham (G3), Withers (G3), and Jerome.

Con: Never serious factor in stakes placings, must continue to improve.

#5 SLIP MAHONEY ***

Pro: Bred to appreciate added ground, slow start hurt him in Gotham second.

Con: Best efforts at one-turn, gate issues a concern for maiden winner.

#6 CLEAR THE AIR – SCRATCHED

#7 ARCTIC ARROGANCE **

Pro: Withers runner-up never worse than second in six career starts.

Con: Gave way readily last time, speedy colt removes blinkers.

#8 LORD MILES *

Pro: Stakes-placed colt changes venues.

Con: No factor in Holy Bull and Tampa Bay Derby (G2).

#9 CRUPI *

Pro: Good head second to Slip Mahoney at Aqueduct two back.

Con: No speed and maiden may need easier to be effective.

#10 UNCLE JAKE ***

Pro: Smashing Laurel maiden winner will show speed.

Con: Stretches to two turns in tough spot.

#11 CLASSIC CATCH ***

Pro: Improving colt tries stakes off convincing allowance win.

Con: His Speed ratings must improve.

#12 MR. SWAGGER **

Pro: Tough trip in Gotham sixth for debut maiden winner.

Con: His inexperience and Speed figures are negative.

#13 HIT SHOW *****

Pro: Up-and-coming colt exits sharp score in Withers.

Con: Must overcome dreadful post.