WinStar Farms’ Gemologist ran his undefeated streak to a perfect five-for-five with stirring stretch run to capture the Wood Memorial (G1), sending the son of Tiznow to Louisville as one of the favorites for the May 5 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Gemologist showed his class and courage during a hard-fought stretch duel with Alpha. Sitting in third for the first six furlongs, Gemologist went after the lead coming into the final quarter mile. Getting clear by about a length and a half with a furlong to go, Alpha put in a run in the late stages, but Gemologist dug in gamely and held sway by a neck at the finish. He completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.96 on a fast track.
“That’s a great win, he’s a great horse,” said WinStar president and CEO Elliott Walden. “This stamps him as a Derby prospect, which we’re excited about. We needed the earnings [the Wood winner’s share is $600,000] today.”