Distance is the question for Lady Rocket in Go for Wand Stakes
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Trainer Brad Cox will be represented Saturday in the Grade 3, $250,000 Go for Wand Handicap with Lady Rocket, who will be attempting a mile for the first time. Lady Rocket, a daughter of Tale of the Cat, has won three races at seven furlongs, including the faster of two divisions of the Pumpkin Pie Stakes at Belmont on Oct. 31.
In deciding on a race for Lady Rocket, Cox said he was between the Go for Wand and the $100,000 Sugar Swirl going six furlongs at Gulfstream Park on Dec. 18.
“I think she likes a little [farther] than three-quarters,” said Cox, who has been training Lady Rocket at Churchill Downs. “I’m not sure she likes a mile. We’ll see. She’s doing really well. It gives us confidence to ship back up.”
Lady Rocket drew post 2 and will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. Miss Marissa, the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap winner, drew the rail as she turns back to a one-turn mile for the first time since she finished sixth in the Grade 1 Frizette in 2019. California shipper Bella Vita drew post 3, followed by So Darn Hot, Honor Way, Truth Hurts and Sharp Starr, the New York-bred who won last year’s Go for Wand.