Tipsheet: 2023 Withers Stakes
Arctic Arrogance is one of seven sophomores entered in the 2023 Withers S. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
February 9th, 2023
A total of seven sophomores will go postward in Saturday’s $250,000 Withers S. (G3) at Aqueduct. The 2023 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series tilt will reward the top five across the line with points on a 20-8-6-4-2 basis.
Withers Stakes Selections
- #4 Hit Show
- #1 Arctic Arrogance
- #5 General Banker
Withers Stakes Wagers
Withers Stakes Contenders
#1 ARCTIC ARROGANCE: Class of the cast has been first or second in each of his five assignments to date for conditioner Linda Rice. The son of Frosted was a fine second in the Remsen S. (G2) two back at this distance, and he will be equipped with blinkers for the first time in this spot. The gray colt will be the likely one to run down in the stretch with regular pilot Jose Lezcano in the controls.
#2 PROVE RIGHT: Owns a Grade-3 placing on the surface but looks a bit overmatched against these at this stage of his development. The James Chapman pupil has early foot, but he was beaten by 32 lengths in his lone prior try at the trip, and he might be better suited to one-turn tussles. Jose Gomez has the assignment.
#3 JUNGFRAU: The Juddmonte homebred graduated via disqualification at Gulfstream Park last time out and makes the big class jump in this one for trainer Bill Mott. The Arrogate colt has shown slight improvement in each career run to date, but he will need a big step forward in hopes of taking this field down while making his stakes debut. Dylan Davis picks up the mount.
#4 HIT SHOW: The top play was last seen driving home a smart allowance winner on the Oaklawn Park dirt for conditioner Brad Cox. The gray Candy Ride colt has flashed ability in each of his trio of lifetime tries to date and gives me the impression of a three-year-old who will prosper on the move to nine furlongs. He has been training swiftly as of late and will have Manny Franco up.
#5 GENERAL BANKER: Broke through with a fantastic victory in the New York Stallion Series S. two back, which preceded a third-place result in the Jerome S. on the surface. The James Ferraro trainee has yet to run two turns on dirt, but his running style suggests that he might improve on Saturday and makes his way into the top three. The colt has won or placed in all four tries since adding blinkers and will have Eric Cancel in the irons.
#6 NINETYPRCENTMADDIE: Exits a runner-up performance in the Parx Juvenile S. for conditioner Butch Reid. The bay son of Weigelia took the first three races of his career prior to suffering a pair of setbacks as of late, and he will travel two turns here for the first time in his career. Abner Adorno will be in the silks.
#7 ANDIAMO A FIRENZE: Was outrun in the recent Jerome S. and will now go 1 1/8 miles on the surface for trainer Kelly Breen. The dark bay son of Speightstown is a major question mark at the distance, but he has obvious talent and the early speed to be a major player from the break. The speedy New York-bred will have Kendrick Carmouche guiding him.
