Remsen Winner Brooklyn Strong Aimed Toward March Return
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Photo: Coglianese Photos/Susie Raisher
Brooklyn Strong captures the Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack
Remsen Stakes (G2) winner Brooklyn Strong, who missed the Feb. 6 Withers Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct Racetrack due to illness, is aimed toward a return next month, trainer Danny Velazquez said.
Aqueduct's Gotham Stakes (G3) March 6 or the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park March 13 are possible races for his first start at age 3, Velazquez said, depending on weather conditions in the northeast and the gelding's training. The son of Wicked Strong is stabled with the trainer at Parx Racing, which has canceled racing and training due to harsh winter weather in recent days.
"Right now he's gained all his weight back. He's healthy," Velazquez said. "I think he's going to come back better than ever."
Brooklyn Strong, a winner of three of four starts and $195,000, races for owner Mark Schwartz with Velazquez a minority partner. In addition to the Remsen, he took the Sleepy Hollow Stakes at Belmont Park last year versus New York-breds.
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His Dec. 5 Remsen victory, in which he ran down a loose-on-the-lead Ten for Ten over a sloppy track at 1 1/8 miles, earned him 10 qualifying points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. He is currently ranked 15th.
Velazquez anticipates Brooklyn Strong will breeze in about two weeks. He has not recorded a published workout this year.