Aqueduct: Transparent targets Peter Pan Stakes after impressive victory

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – After watching Transparent romp to a 10 3/4-length victory Thursday at Aqueduct, trainer Kiaran McLaughlin’s first thought was, “Hopefully, we didn’t run in the wrong race.”

While Transparent’s victory certainly was eye-catching, he wasn’t facing the quality of competition he would have had he run in Saturday’s $1 million Wood Memorial.

But Transparent’s victory did earn him a return to stakes company, most likely the Grade 2, $200,000 Peter Pan at Belmont Park on May 11.

On Thursday, Transparent sat behind a three-ply speed duel, was tipped four wide by Irad Ortiz Jr. for the stretch, and drew clear. Transparent covered a mile in 1:35.62 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 95.

“The horse won impressively,” McLaughlin said. “He looked really good doing it. At this time, we’ll point for the Peter Pan.”

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Prior to his allowance victory, Transparent finished sixth in the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct on March 2. He encountered some trouble early in the race, and after maneuvering to second place down the backside, he faded to sixth, 5 1/4 lengths behind Vyjack.

“He got pinched back going into the first turn, along with a few others, was second, then flattened out,” McLaughlin said.

Prior to winning a maiden race Jan. 26, Transparent had competed against the likes of Orb and Revolutionary, the winners of last weekend’s Florida Derby and Louisiana Derby.