Gotham Stakes @ The Aqueduct 2006 Kentucky Derby Prep Races

Grade: III Purse: $200,000 Distance: 8.5 Furlongs Age: Three-Year-Olds

The Gotham Stakes at the Aqueduct Race Track in New York continues horse racing's historic run for the roses on March 18, 2006, and all the way to Kentucky Derby 131 at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2006. T

The Gotham is going for a guaranteed purse of US$200,000. Run at a distance of 8.5 furlongs on the dirt, the Gotham is a race for three year old thoroughbred horses. Historically, this prep race has set the fitting stage for Kentucky Derby champions like the legendary Secretariat, and not to mention Gotham Stakes 2004 champion Saratoga County.

The race, which has traditionally been run at a mile on the main track, is now a two-turn 1 1/16 mile route over the inner track. The change came about due to the extension of Aqueduct's winter meet through March 26. Racing will not resume on the main track until March 29.

A bit of history, Gotham is another name for New York City, the unofficial capital city of the world, and the city in which Aqueduct Racetrack is located.

The Gotham was run at Jamaica at a mile and a sixteenth prior to 1960, and in 1977 and 1979. For four year olds and up in 1958. Run in two divisions in 1953, 1974, 1975, and 1983. Run at one mile and seventy yards in 1984. Dead heat in 1992. Easy Goer established the stakes and track record of 1:32 2/5 in winning the 1989 running.

The winner of the Gotham Stakes receives a free nomination to The Wood Memorial.

Gotham Stakes Race

Entries: $200,000 Gotham Stakes (gr. III, Race 9, 4:50 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles

1. PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
2. Hesanoldsalt (KY), 116, Norberto Arroyo, Jr.
3. Church Service (KY), 116, Michael Luzzi
4. Eagle Head (CA), 116, Santos Noe Chavez
5. Like Now (FL), 116, Fernando Jara
6. Putonyerdancinshuz (PA), 116, Hiram Rivera
7. Achilles of Troy (KY), 120, Ramon Dominguez
8. Keyed Entry (KY), 120, Edgar Prado
9. Sunshine Alpine (MD), 116, Richard Migliore
10. Greeley's Legacy (KY), 116, Eibar Coa
11. Sweetnorthernsaint (FL), 116, Kent Desormeaux
12. One Way Flight (NY), 116, Channing Hill