Tipsheet: 2025 Wood Memorial Stakes

Note: Hill Road has scratched from the Wood Memorial due to a fever.

A well-matched field of 12 sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles over the Aqueduct dirt in Saturday’s $750,000 Wood Memorial S. (G2). The 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series contest will reward the top five across the wire with qualifying points on a 100-50-25-15-10 basis. 

Wood Memorial Stakes Picks

• #6 Hill Road (SCR)
• #1 Rodriguez
• #2 Captain Cook
• #5 Sand Devil

Wood Memorial Stakes Wagers (updated)

• $30 win #1 Rodriguez
• $1 trifecta 1 with 2,5 with all

Wood Memorial Stakes Contenders

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#1 RODRIGUEZ: West Coast invader has run against some of the best in his division this season and has to be given a chance for Baffert. Talented son of Authentic will race with the blinkers off in this spot, but will still be in the hunt from the break from the inside post slot. Mike Smith comes in to guide the $485,000 yearling purchase.  

#2 CAPTAIN COOK: The first of two for Richard Dutrow and is two-for-two on the surface since joining this barn. He comes off a strong score in the Withers S. (G3) in his latest venture. The bay son of Practical Joke is proven at the distance, and he has trained in very good fashion in advance of this contest, as well. Manny Franco will ride the win threat. 

#3 TIGER TWENTY FOUR: Mott pupil has improved with each lifetime try and exits a big maiden win at Gulfstream Park most recently. The chestnut son of Lord Nelson posted a swift bullet four panels in his latest morning piece, and he could challenge for a placing with another step in the right direction against this group. Javier Castellano inherits the mount. 

#4 MY MITOLE: Gotham S. (G3) fourth will have blinkers added and could be a top-four player while making his two-turn debut. Carlos Martin trainee is a two-time winner on the strip and has good early foot, so he will be forwardly placed from the break beneath Luis Rivera, Jr. 

#5 SAND DEVIL: Gotham S. (G3) runner-up suffered his first setback while making his graded stakes bow last time out, but remains a dangerous commodity on this occasion. The Violence colt is bred to handle the move to nine panels, and he will be fit for the features following a trio of solid morning moves in advance of Saturday, too. Jose Lezcano will be in the silks for conditioner Linda Rice. 

#6 HILL ROAD (SCR): Top pick rallied to be a clear third behind two good ones in his initial 2025 appearance and figures to get a more favorable setup in this one. Trained by Chad Brown, the deep-closing type gives the impression of a colt who will thrive with the added distance. I expect him to move forward the second time off the layoff, as well. The Quality Road colt will have Joel Rosario in the stirrups. 

#7 GRANDE: Unbeaten son of Curlin has been a measured winner in both lifetime tries to date for Todd Pletcher. The Repole color bearer proved to be capable at 1 1/8 miles in his allowance score at Gulfstream Park last time out, and the Kentucky-bred has the tactical speed to be in range throughout the race, as well. Dylan Davis will take the reins atop the promising prospect. 

#8 PASSION RULES: Brad Cox trainee is three-for-three coming in, but will get a real class test on this occasion. Friesan Fire colt possesses a nice turn of foot and might receive a solid early pace to rally into late in his stakes debut. The Maryland-bred has trained swiftly as of late and will be asked for his best approaching the turn for home. Kendrick Carmouche is signed on. 

#9 BEAR CLAW NECKLACE: Saffie Joseph's pupil was well beaten in an allowance heat at Gulfstream in advance of this tilt and looks like an outsider in the field. Romero Marah will guide the son of Lord Nelson. 

#10 MCAFEE: Second from the Dutrow shedrow was never a factor when splitting the field in the Gotham S. (G3) and will need a major step forward to challenge the group on Saturday. The half-brother to Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna has improved his Brisnet Speed figure in each try to date, however. Another step in the right direction could have him challenging for a piece late with Eric Cancel in the irons. 

#11 STATESMAN: Shug McGaughey's charge comes in with victories in two straight and will make his first stakes attempt in a tough spot. The Constitution colt has not faced the strongest foes in preparation for his graded bow, and his lack of early speed will leave him with a lot to do turning for home, as well. Samuel Marin retains the mount. 

#12 OMAHA OMAHA: Michael Gorham trainee has placed in a trio of black-type races in succession and has to be given a chance to make the frame in his third try on the surface. The Audible colt is drawn widest of all in the cast, but he can grab a share late with Raul Mena in the silks.