Kentucky Derby Prep Races: 2025 Wood Memorial Stakes

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races Odds and News

Captain Cook Headlines Wood Memorial Field with Derby Points on the Line

Saturday’s Grade 2, $750,000 Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct is one of the final Kentucky Derby Prep Races and could significantly impact Kentucky Derby odds as contenders try to lock in a spot at Churchill Downs. 

This 1 1/8-mile race offers 100-50-25-15-10 qualifying points to the top five finishers, making it a key moment for Kentucky Derby betting decisions.

The race, scheduled as the 12th of 13 on the card, drew a competitive field 12. Seven entries have already earned points on the Derby trail, but two are not Triple Crown-nominated, limiting their potential for a Derby start.

Captain Cook Looks to Sweep New York Preps

Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. sends Captain Cook, who skipped the Gotham to return to nine furlongs in the Wood Memorial. The son of Practical Joke won the Withers Stakes in February, also at Aqueduct, using a stalking style that should suit him again here. He has two wins from three starts and enters as one of the favorites with 20 Derby points already banked. With regular rider Manny Franco aboard, Captain Cook is the top selection.

Undefeated Grande Brings Gulfstream Form to New York

Grande, trained by Todd Pletcher, ships in from Gulfstream Park after back-to-back wins. Both came at a mile or longer, and his last victory was at the Wood Memorial distance. Pletcher has won this race seven times, and Grande’s early speed and ability to finish make him a serious win contender. Dylan Davis picks up the mount.

Hill Road and Sand Devil Add Stakes Experience

Hill Road began his career in Ireland and finished third in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He recently ran third again in the Tampa Bay Derby and has 24 Derby points. Trainer Chad Brown gives Joel Rosario the call, and this Quality Road colt will likely settle mid-pack before launching a late run.

Sand Devil impressed with three straight wins against New York-breds before finishing second in the Gotham Stakes. While this will be his first try, around two turns, his consistent speed and local experience at Aqueduct will make him dangerous at a fair price.

Rodriguez and Passion Rules Offer Value Plays

Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert, has kept strong company in California, hitting the board in the Robert B. Lewis and San Felipe Stakes. Blinkers come off for this start, and Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith rides from the rail. His tactical speed could give him a solid trip.

Passion Rules is undefeated in three starts for trainer Brad Cox, with his most recent win coming in an allowance race at Oaklawn. He has shown the ability to close from off the pace and could be a factor late under Kendrick Carmouche, who pulled off a massive Wood upset in 2021.

Omaha Omaha, Statesman Among Longshots with Upside

Omaha Omaha has consistently performed in Derby preps, placing in the Jerome, Withers, and Virginia Derby. He has 26 points and will break from post 12. Trainer Shug McGaughey’s Statesman comes in off two wins at Tampa and continues to improve. With the correct setup, he could surprise at a price.

Others Face Tough Tests in Deep Field

Tiger Twenty-Four recently broke his maiden but faces a big jump in class here. My Mitole, Bear Claw Necklace, and McAfee have some experience but have yet to prove they belong at this level. Each would need a career-best effort to threaten the top contenders.

To explore full odds, expert picks, live wagering for the Wood Memorial, and more Derby trail action, visit our racebook today.