Taj Mahal targeting G2 Wood Memorial presented by Resorts World Casino
At 1h23, on March 17, 2026 • By Aqueduct Racetrack
Tom Ryan of co-owner SF Racing confirmed that the undefeated colt Taj Mahal will make his next start in the Grade 2, $750,000 Wood Memorial presented by Resorts World Casino on April 4 at Aqueduct Racetrack. The nine-furlong test for sophomores awards 100-50-25-15-10 qualifying points towards the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby on May 2 at Churchill Downs.
The Wood Memorial headlines a stacked card that includes the Grade 2, $300,000 Carter presented by NYRA Bets, the Grade 3, $200,000 Gazelle – a 100-50-25-15-10 qualifier for the Kentucky Oaks, the Grade 3, $150,000 Distaff, the Listed $150,000 Excelsior and the Listed $150,000 Plenty of Grace to kick off turf stakes action for the year in New York.
“The notion is he’ll take his shot in the Wood Memorial,” Ryan said. “He’s done nothing wrong so far, and he’s ran himself up the ladder while improving his numbers. He’s got some nice time in between after his first two starts were close together. I personally believe the distance is not going to be an issue for him, the question is just if he has the ability to compete with the field that will line up.”
Trained by Brittany Russell, the son of Nyquist made a winning debut sprinting six furlongs on February 6 at Laurel Park where he broke slow and tracked in last-of-6 under Sheldon Russell. He pounced with a four-wide bid and took the lead in upper stretch, powering home strongly to post the 4 1/4-length score in a final time of 1:12.42 and earning a 73 Beyer Speed Figure for the effort.
