Mo Town best in Remsen

Nov 27, 2016 by James Scully/Brisnet.com

Mo Town picked up 10 points toward a possible berth in the 2017 Kentucky Derby with a convincing victory in Saturday’s $300,000 Remsen (G2) at Aqueduct, scoring by 2 ½ lengths in his stakes debut.

A 7-length maiden winner in his previous outing for trainer Tony Dutrow, Mo Town was ridden by Kentucky Derby-winning jockey John Velazquez and is by Uncle Mo, sire of 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist.

Sent off as the 4-1 second favorite among 10 juveniles, Mo Town tracked heavily-favored pacesetter Takaful in second until the completion of the far turn. The pair drew even as turning for home and Mo Town accelerated clear with about an eighth of a mile, winning comfortably as No Dozing closed belatedly for runner-up honors.

Takaful saved third by a head over fourth-placer Win With Pride.

The winner, who improved his record to 2-for-3, completed the 1 1/8-mile distance in 1:51.58.

As part of the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series, the Remsen offered points on a 10-4-2-1 scale.

The top three are all part of Pool 1 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which completes its 4-day run on Sunday, along with eighth-placer Hookup.

(Adam Coglianese photo)