NHL player Erik Johnson pumped to have Landeskog in Woody Stephens

ELMONT, N.Y. – Had the last few weeks worked out differently, Erik Johnson would be playing right now for the Stanley Cup. But with his Colorado Avalanche having been knocked out of the National Hockey League playoffs, Johnson will be at Belmont Park on Saturday, watching a horse he co-owns and that is named for one of his teammates compete in the $400,000 Woody Stephens, newly minted as a Grade 1 race this year.

“It is bittersweet,” Johnson said of not making it farther in the playoffs, “but I’m pumped up to be in the race Saturday. It’s kinda cool where horses take you.”

This is not an idle hobby. Johnson owns approximately 15 horses in partnerships, he follows the game closely, and a Del Mar visit is part of his requisite summer hiatus.

“It’s so much fun. I love it,” he said.

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Johnson plays defense, but Landeskog – named for team captain Gabriel Landeskog – will be on offense against 10 rival 3-year-olds Saturday. He has sharp early speed, which he used to win his debut at Oaklawn before finishing second last time out in the Bachelor at Oaklawn behind Nitrous, one of his rivals Saturday. Both those races were at six furlongs. He’ll try to stretch out to seven furlongs Saturday.

Johnson said he named Landeskog for his teammate because “Gabe is praised for his good looks and this is a good-looking horse.”

“I try to keep my teammates involved,” Johnson said, though getting them up to speed on different aspects of the sport has been enlightening.

“When we gelded the horse I told Gabe lucky the horse is gelded, not you,” Johnson said. “He asked what’s a gelding. When I told him, he said, ‘Oh no.’ ”

Landeskog is taking a significant jump in class. The race drew a pair of Grade 1 winners, Complexity and Mind Control, along with dazzling maiden winner Honest Mischief.

The Woody Stephens, named for the late Hall of Fame trainer who won the Belmont Stakes five straight times from 1982-86, goes as race 8.

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KEY CONTENDERS
Landeskog, by Munnings
Beyers: 89-89

◗ Tyler Gaffalione, who rides Preakness winner War of Will later in the Belmont, has been given the assignment by trainer Doug O’Neill.

Mind Control, by Stay Thirsty
Last 3 Beyers: 97-93-89

◗ Winner of the Hopeful last summer at Saratoga, he has finished first or second in all six of his races around one turn. He won the Grade 3 Bay Shore last time out two months ago.

Complexity, by Maclean’s Music
Last 3 Beyers: 60-95-90

◗ Blazingly fast and winner of the Champagne last year, he is making his first start since suffering his lone loss when sent two turns for the first time in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He was then given time off for a minor shin injury.

“I didn’t necessarily want to bring him back in a race this tough, but after observing his training, he’s ready to run, and there’s not a lot of options,” said his trainer, Chad Brown.

Honest Mischief, by Into Mischief
Beyers: 97-84

◗ Also trained by Brown, he beat maidens last time out at Keeneland with a Beyer Figure as good as anyone in this race has earned. He drew the rail.

“It’s a difficult post, but he’s super talented,” Brown said.