Wood Memorial (G1)

Race Overview

The Wood Memorial Stakes is a Grade 2 dirt race for three-year-olds held annually in early April at Aqueduct Racetrack.

It serves as one of the final major prep races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Key Race Details

Location: Aqueduct Racetrack – South Ozone Park, New York
Surface: Dirt
Distance: 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs)
Age Restriction: 3-year-olds
Inaugurated: 1925
Purse: $750,000
Kentucky Derby Points: 100–50–25–15–10 (to top five finishers)

Distance & Strategy Profile

At 1 1/8 miles, the Wood Memorial is run at the same distance as many major Derby preps, making it a critical stamina test before stretching out to 1 1/4 miles at Churchill Downs.

Typical winning profile:

• Tactical speed preferred

• Ability to handle two turns

• Proven class in graded stakes company

Aqueduct’s main track often rewards horses that secure forward position without excessive early pressure.

Historical Significance

The Wood Memorial has produced multiple Triple Crown champions and elite classic winners. Notable past winners include:

• Gallant Fox

• Count Fleet

• Assault

• Fusaichi Pegasus

• Funny Cide

• Empire Maker

• Tapit

• Frosted

• Mo Donegal

The race was downgraded from Grade 1 to Grade 2 status in 2017 but remains one of the most influential Derby prep races in New York.

Stakes Record

Fastest Time (1 1/8 miles):
1:46.94 — Easy Goer (1989)

Easy Goer also holds the record for largest margin of victory in the race at 9 lengths.

Why It Matters on the Road to the Derby

With 100 qualifying points awarded to the winner, the Wood Memorial guarantees a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate for its champion.

Because it is run just weeks before the Derby, it often features:

• Horses peaking at the right time

• Late-developing contenders

• High-stakes tactical matchups

The race frequently clarifies the East Coast Derby picture.