The Gotham Stakes has a competitive field of led by the rematch of Classy Class and El Kabeir from the Withers Stakes. A bulky field entered with the defection of Ocean Knight.
The Skinny:
El Kabeir showed grit fighting hard with Classy Class in the Withers. The 2 of them battled for 54 seconds on equal terms, before El Kabeir won the battle in the final stride. He also lost the war when Far From Over passed him late in the Withers. El Kabeir has tactical speed, has shown grit and is ready for a dog fight.
Classy Class earned respect in the tough luck defeat in the Withers. He fought every step of the way off a 60 day layoff and missed a few works. He only has 1 work since the last race. Ultimately he may be distanced challenged but with only 3 lifetime starts and this being his 2nd start in the current form cycle he should put up a good effort. Gets a chance to stalk this race with other speed signed up.
Tencedur was outrun when facing winners for the first time in the Withers. Comes Back and is capable of still improving a few lengths. Ideally will show enough speed for the first 6 furlongs, but when the pace quickens thinks he backs up quickly. Needs one of the top 3 to regress.
Dontbetwithbruno earned a hard-fought victory in most recent start and faces winners. Will have to improve to face proved G3 stakes horses. Enough speed to lay close and expect him to be in striking distance as they turn for home.
Lieutenant Colonel picked up the check and diploma in career debut at Gulfstream. This horse has a nice look to him but seems to run with a turf stride and now faces winners. He ran on a track that was kind to speed in his last race. Nice horse but seems in tough in this spot. Last race looks better on “Paper” than it did on the track.
Toasting Master brings some speed to the race and fits class wise. With others indicating they are going to rate, Toast will bring some speed to the party and try to take them as far as he can. Recent works indicate fitness, but shipping and facing other speed hinder his chances.
Tiz Shea D was a recent private purchase. Has the pedigree for the distance, is a little slow on paper. Hard to take in this spot but does have a shot.
Combat Diver has done his best running from off the pace. Looks a little slow on paper, but with the speed signed on may be able to pick up some of the pieces late.
Blame Jim stretches out and ships north off the loss in the last race. Brings more speed to the race, but doesn’t need the lead as much as others. Fit and could be a price that makes its way into the superfecta.
Uninfluenced may be reaching a bit here. A few of these horses entered when Ocean Knight decided to stay down in Tampa. Many of the New York horses have had training schedules interrupted. Sharp recent form is a plus and comes in off a strong 2nd in a maiden race.
Fair Line:
El Kabeir 5/2
Classy Class 5/1
Don’tbetwithbruno 8/1
The Choice:
Classy Class is the choice in this corner. He ran game in defeat and may get the jump in this race with everyone threatening to take their horses back. Feel he has the most tactical speed and should benefit from being able to sit off the pace with new speed signed on.