Capuano weighs Withers options

Trainer Gary Capuano has nominated three horses for the $200,000 Withers at Aqueduct on Jan. 31.

While Let’s Go Lando will probably take more time after a Laurel allowance victory on Jan. 10, Capuano is still considering Hollywood Import and Wild Warrior for the trip to Aqueduct. The two colts worked a mile together at Laurel in 1:51.20 on Jan. 22.

“I was thinking of possibly running both in there, but I'm not positive that I'll run two,” Capuano said. “I'm probably leaning on Hollywood Import for that.”

The trainer said Hollywood Import, the last-out winner of the Heft, is more likely to handle the 1 1/8-mile distance in the Withers, which will award points toward the Kentucky Derby on a 20-10-6-4-2 basis. Capuano has prepared him rigorously this month, giving him three published workouts at a mile since Jan. 9. The colt has only run once at a route distance, finishing fourth in an allowance at a mile in November.

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“The mile and an eighth is a pretty good stretch, but I'm working on that,” Capuano said. “Weather has a lot to do with getting ready for that, but I think that’s where I’m pointing him right now.”

If his stablemate ships to New York next weekend, Wild Warrior could run in the $100,000 Spectacular Bid, a seven-furlong stakes on the same day at Laurel.

In 1997, Capuano enjoyed immense success on the Derby trail when Captain Bodgit won the Florida Derby and Wood Memorial. The favorite in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, he finished second and third behind Silver Charm before a minor injury forced him into an early retirement.

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