New York Thunder leaves his Woodstock rivals in the dust (Michael Burns)
By Chris Lomon – Woodbine Communications
TORONTO— New York Thunder made it three straight scores to start his career after romping to victory in the $133,250 Woodstock Stakes for 3-year-olds on Sunday at Woodbine.
Ridden by Ricardo Santana Jr., New York Thunder, making his 3-year-old debut, was sent off as the 1-5 choice in the six-furlong Tapeta race, and thoroughly dominated his rivals to the tune of a 7 ½-length win in a time of 1:08.45.
New York Thunder wasn’t first out of the gate, but quickly took control with Ship the Goods and Ninetyfour Expos sitting second and third, respectively, after an opening panel in :22.76. Ahead by a length after a half reached in :45.18, the son of Nyquist rocketed away from his pursuers with ease around the turn for home.
It was the first stakes test for the Jorge Delgado trainee, who rolled to victory in his debut at Gulfstream in November, a 6 ½-length triumph on the all-weather track. One race later, on December 30, New York Thunder notched a 1 ¾-length win in a five-furlong turf race.
Supplemented to the Woodstock, the bay colt didn’t miss a beat on another rainy day in Toronto.
“He broke really good and was really happy on the lead,” said Santana, Jr. “I was really comfortable with him. Turning for home, I could feel the company come to me. As soon as he felt it, I asked him a little bit and he took off. He [Delgado] told me the horse was ready to run. He was highly confident in the horse.”
Ninetyfour Expos, Stayhonor Goodside, Opposites Attract, Ship the Goods, and Gran Spirited completed the order of finish.
Bred by in Kentucky by Gatewood Bell & Forgotten Land, New York Thunder is owned by AMO Racing USA, and was a $130,000 (U.S.) purchase at the 2021 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale.
