At a time of year when Kentucky Derby (G1) hopefuls are focusing on two-turn preps and qualifying points, the Feb. 28 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct offers something different. The Gotham is contested at a one-turn mile, with the winner receiving 50 qualifying points toward a starting spot in the Kentucky Derby.
1. Balboa (6-1 morning-line odds): Enters off a second in the Jerome Stakes, which was also held at a flat mile on this track. Previously was a good third behind top Kentucky Derby prospect Paladin in the Remsen Stakes here at 1 1/8 miles. Should be a major factor.
JOCKEY: Sheldon Russell; TRAINER: Brittany Russell
2. Hammond (5-1): Was third at seven furlongs in the Swale Stakes at Gulfstream Park in fast time. Hasn't won beyond 6 1/2 furlongs, so the mile in 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 and faded to eighth. Prior to that, was a pace-setting third in the Gun Runner Stakes at the same distance, losing by a little less than a length. Works have been sharp so perhaps he can rebound here.
JOCKEY: Ricardo Santana Jr.; TRAINER: Mike Maker
4. Fourth and One (20-1): Lost by nearly 32 lengths in the Withers Stakes at 1 1/8 miles here. Will need to take a big step forward.
JOCKEY: Jose Lezcano; TRAINER: Jeremiah Englehart
5. Right to Party (8-1): Won a mile maiden race here in his second start but the time was on the slow side. 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 registered sparkling speed figures. He certainly has the speed to win and his breeding indicates another quarter-mile should be within his scope. Deserves major attention.
JOCKEY: Manny Franco; TRAINER: Chad Brown
7. Exhibition Only (15-1): After closing out his 2-year-old season with three losses on turf, returned to dirt to kick off 2026 and romped by 7 3/4 lengths in a maiden race. Will be tested for class here.
JOCKEY: Ruben Silvera; TRAINER: Rudy Rodriguez
8. Creole Chrome (Scratched): Will be scratched to race at Fair Grounds.
JOCKEY: Jaime Torres; TRAINER: Joe Sharp
9. Dirty Rich (10-1): Was obliterated 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 hang on?
JOCKEY: Ramon Vazquez; TRAINER: Peter Miller
THE PICK: Iron Honor
LIVE LONGSHOT: Balboa
SUPERFECTA: 6-1-3-2
