At a glance: Gotham Stakes

At a time of year when Kentucky Derby (G1) hopefuls are focusing on two-round preparations and qualifying points, the Feb. 28 Gotham Stakes Aqueduct offers something different. The Gotham is contested over a one-turn mile, with the winner receiving 50 qualifying points for a starting spot in the Kentucky Derby.

1. Balboa (6-1 odds on morning line): Coming in a second in the Jerome Stakes, also held on a flat mile at this track. Previously, he was a comfortable third behind top Kentucky Derby prospect Paladin in the Remsen Stakes here at 1 1/8 miles. Should be an important factor.
JOCKEY: Sheldon Russell; TRAINER: Brittany Russell

2. Hammond (5-1): Finished third in fast time at seven furlongs in the Swale Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Didn’t win more than 6 1/2 furlongs, so the mile is a question mark.
JOCKEY: Jaime Rodriguez; TRAINER: Saffie Joseph Jr.

3. Crown the Buckeye (4-1): Set the pace in the 1 1/16-mile Lecomte Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds, fading to eighth. Before that he was a fast third in the Gun Runner Stakes at the same distance, losing just under a length. The works have been sharp, so maybe he can recover here.
JOCKEY: Ricardo Santana Jr.; TRAINER: Mike Maker

4. Fourth and one (20-1): Lost by almost 32 lengths in the Withers Stakes at 1 1/8 miles here. A big step forward will have to be taken.
JOCKEY: Jose Lezcano; TRAINER: Jeremiah Englehart

5. Right to party (8-1): Won a maiden one-mile race here in his second start, but the time was a bit slow. Would be helped by a fast pace.
JOCKEY: Chris Elliott; TRAINER: Ken McPeek

6. Iron honor (6-5): Won his 6-furlong debut here and recorded sparkling speed figures. He certainly has the speed to win and his disposition indicates that another quarter mile should be within his reach. Deserves great attention.
JOCKEY: Manny Franco; TRAINER: Chad Brown

7. Exhibition only (15-1): After ending his two-year-old season with three losses on grass, he returned to the dirt to start 2026 and romped by 7 3/4 lengths in a maiden race. Will be tested here before class.
JOCKEY: Ruben Silvera; TRAINER: Rudy Rodriguez

8. Creole Chrome (Scratched): Gets scratched to race at Fair Grounds.
JOCKEY: Jaime Torres; TRAINER: Joe Sharp

9. Dirty rich (10-1): Was destroyed in the final furlong by Obliteration in a six-furlong Oaklawn Park stakes. Has enough speed to be in the mix early, but how long can he keep it up?
JOCKEY: Ramon Vazquez; TRAINER: Peter Molenaar

THE CHOICE: Iron honor

LIVE LONG SHOT: Balboa

SUPERFECT: 6-1-3-2