Haikal from Clouds to Take Gotham Stakes
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Photo: Coglianese Photos/Viola Jasko
Haikal rallies to win the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack
True to his previous form, Shadwell Stable's homebred Haikal produced a devastating kick in the last eighth of the $300,000
Gotham Stakes (G3) to capture his second consecutive stakes and his first graded victory. The colt by Daaher earned 50 qualifying for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs.
Haikal was likely helped by a fast pace set by Three Chimneys Farm's homebred Much Better, who took the field through opening fractions of :22.36 and :44.42 and at one point owned a four-length lead.
The winner began his rally at the top the stretch and blew past the battling trio of Mind Control, favorite Instagrand, and Much Better. Haikal won by a length in 1:35.63.
Haikal paid $10.80, $4.90, and $2.90. Mind Control finished second and paid $5.90 and $3.30, and Instagrand was third and paid $2.50.
This story will be updated.