Zayat Stables' El Kabeir (Scat Daddy) will now be aimed at the Apr. 4 GI Twinspires.com Wood Memorial after exiting his win in Saturday's GIII Gotham S. in fine shape. “He ate up well last night and looked great this morning,” said trainer John Terranova. “He's happy, sound, and was excited to see everybody [today]. All looks well.” Terranova was pleased to see El Kabeir settle off the pace Saturday. “I was very impressed, visually,” Terranova said of the Gotham. “The way the race unfolded, he showed a whole new dimension. A lot was thrown at him yesterday and he made two big moves; it was very impressive. We're real proud of him.”
Gotham runner-up Tiz Shea D (Tiznow), making his first start for Bill Mott after being purchased privately by Adam Wachtel a month ago, also was doing well Sunday morning. “He was good this morning, jogged well and very happy,” said Mott's son and assistant Riley Mott. “He came to us in great shape, obviously, and he's thrived since being here and been training very well.” The Wood remains a possibility for the colt, who was making his second start in the Gotham after a four-length debut win at Parx Feb. 7. “We're very pleased with how he ran and the Wood would seem to be the next logical step, but we'll speak to Mr. Wachtel and the boss [Bill Mott] and we'll get him back to the track and make a decision from there,” said Mott.
Also likely bound for the Wood is Gotham third-place finisher Classy Class (Discreetly Mine). “We thought he ran well from the hand he was dealt,” said Art Magnuson, assistant to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. “He broke a little flat-footed and ended up back a little far but no complaints, I think Junior [Alvarado] worked out the best trip he could and he ran well. We were unlucky not to run second. Experience-wise it was an educational trip and he showed courage.”
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