The New York road to the Wood Memorial begins with the Jerome Stakes at a flat mile around one turn at Aqueduct.
The 2017 Jerome Stakes
Mind Control
Mind Control is the 9/5 morning line favorite and secures the services of JR Velazquez. The son of Stay Thirsty picked up back to back win on the front ends with a maiden breaker at the Shore and a front-running score in the Hopeful. He passed on a couple of preps in the fall and flopped in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile losing by 18 lengths. He has four December workouts, and he passed up the Springboard mile to stay close to home and should be up front and on the front end early.
Gates of Daw
The son of Arch has a mixture of stamina on the sire side and speed on the female side. The maiden breaker at Parx was a 75 Beyer speed figure and is consistent with his 74 in his debut Beyer speed figure. He figures to improve in his third-lifetime start and has fired three straight bullet works and should be on the front end battling for position with Mind Control.
Souper Jackpot
May have a class edge with a maiden victory at Churchill Downs at the fall meet which usually features strong juvenile form. His runner-up effort at Gulfstream was a solid effort, and he battled the entire way. He owns an 84 and 81 Beyer speed figures. Son of Ghostzapper out of a Seeking the Gold mare has a solid pedigree.
The Strategy
Mind Control enters off a long layoff, and Souper Jackpot enters with higher speed ratings and recent form. Souper Jackpot may be able to sit on the outside and make a run into the speed duel up front. Souper Jackpot is the selection and rates a slight edge as the 2/1 second choice on the morning line.