Gemologist wins Wood

Posted: Sat 6:10 PM, Apr 07, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) - Gemologist won the $1 million Wood Memorial for 3-year-olds at Aqueduct on Saturday, holding off Alpha by a neck to improve to 5 for 5.

The latest victory makes the colt trained by Todd Pletcher one of the favorites for the Kentucky Derby on May 5. Gemologist will enjoy an important advantage over many rivals in the Derby, having already won twice at Churchill Downs.

Ridden by Javier Castellano, Gemologist ran 1 1-8 miles in 1:50.96 and paid $4.40 to win. The $600,000 first prize in the Wood assures Gemologist a starting spot in the Derby where the 20 entrants are determined by graded stakes earnings.

Teeth of the Dog finished third.

Itsmyluckyday sidelined