I Want Revenge Dazzles in the Gotham Stakes

March 8, 2009
By Profitus Maximus

I Want Revenge was the second betting choice in the $250,000 Gotham Stakes (G3), closing at odds of 3-1, but based on the way that I Want Revenge dominated the field on Saturday at Aqueduct Race track, one would think he was the 1-5 favorite.

Shipping in from California, I Want Revenge took no prisoners in the race as he drew away to a powerful victory over Imperial Council and the previously undefeated Mr. Fantasy over the inner track.

It seemed as if I Want Revenge was running like a horse possessed. After breaking well from post 8, he quickly moved up to stalk pacesetter Mr. Fantasy and continued to do so down the backstretch and even pulled on even terms with him midway down the backstretch.

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As these two turned into the stretch, it appeared momentarily that we were going to be treated to an exciting stretch duel between the two favorites, but by the three-sixteenths pole, I Want Revenge suddenly found another gear and began to draw away from Mr. Fantasy, increasing the margin with each and every stride, and crossing the wire 8 1/2 lengths in front.

His impressive win against a highly regarded field will surely indirectly enhance the status of Pioneerof the Nile, to whom I Want Revenge lost to in his previous two starts (albeit narrowly).

I Want Revenge is expected to make his next start in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 4, 2009. Although the Wood Memorial will be run at Aqueduct like the Gotham Stakes, they will switch from the inner dirt to the main dirt track for the Wood, which is a different sort of surface.

No longshots finished in the money as the top three betting choices completed the win, place, and show spots.

I Want Revenge received a Beyer Speed Figure of 113. This number is the highest among all races run in 2009 longer than a mile.

The final time was 142.65. Daily Racing Form Results Chart - Click Here