Aqueduct

Nicky the Vest gets green light for Wood Memorial

David Grening|Feb 24, 2021

Nicky the Vest wins the 2021 Gander Stakes at Aqueduct

Adam Coglianese/NYRA Nicky the Vest steps up to the Wood Memorial following the 11 3/4-length romp in the Gander Stakes at Aqueduct.

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Nicky the Vest, impressive winner of the Gander Stakes for New York-breds on Feb. 14, will point to the Grade 2, $750,000 Wood Memorial on April 3, trainer Jonathan Thomas said.

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Following his 11 3/4-length victory in the Gander, Nicky the Vest was mentioned as a possibility for the Gotham or the Wood. Thomas and owner Robert LaPenta felt the Gotham would be running back on too short notice and Nicky the Vest wasn’t even among the 36 nominees for the race.

“It’s a rare opportunity to try him a mile and an eighth and see if he can handle it,” Thomas said of running Nicky the Vest in the Wood. “From a timing standpoint that should work, and with a little more distance in front of him we’ll see what he’s all about.”

Nicky the Vest, a son of Runhappy, is 2 for 2 with both of his wins coming against New York-breds and at the one-turn mile configuration. He earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 83 in each race.

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