Pandagate hoping to bamboozle rivals in $100K Gander
At 0h03, on February 25, 2024 • By AQUEDUCT
Pandagate returns to the scene of his impressive maiden score in Sunday’s $100,000 Gander, a one-turn mile for New York-bred sophomores, at Aqueduct Racetrack.
Trained by Christophe Clement for owners Adelphi Racing Club, Madaket Stables, Corms Racing Stable and On The Rise Again Stable, the Arrogate ridgling was a nine-length debut winner under returning rider Dylan Davis while traveling the Gander distance in October here against fellow state-breds.
Last out, the $130,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Preferred New York-bred Yearling Sale purchase stepped into open company in a 1 1/16-mile optional-claiming event on December 9 at Laurel Park and overcame a troubled start to finish third behind the victorious Regalo, who exited that effort to finish fourth here in the Jerome.
“He broke a bit slow last time, but I’m not sure [if that’s an excuse]. He’s a better horse today,” Clement said.
Pandagate has since wintered in Florida at Payson Park Training Center where he breezed five-eighths Saturday in 1:01.80 in company with well-regarded maiden winner Deterministic.
Pandagate, bred by Fred W. Hertrich, III, is out of the stakes-placed Sky Mesa mare Kitty Panda, who is a half-sister to graded stakes-placed Akilina. Both Kitty Panda and Akilina were trained by Clement.
“I trained the whole family. They’ve all been good and can run on turf or dirt,” Clement said. “He’s by Arrogate, so he should be better as it gets longer and he gets older. He’s a tall, leggy horse. It’s exciting. Let’s go.”
Davis has the call from post 4.
