Start spreading the news: a Derby prep in New York

The Grade 3 Gotham Stakes over a full mile of the Aqueduct dirt oval, and named for the city where it’s run. It’s an early prep for the Kentucky Derby and winners of this race on the first Saturday in March earn a handy 50 points towards running at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. It plays a deep part in American racing history too. Yet, funnily enough, for all its status only one future Derby winner ever lifted the Gotham prize on his road to Kentucky. That horse: all-time great Triple Crown hero Secretariat, 52 years ago.

A talented field on nine hopefuls faced the starter for its 72nd running, Wathnan’s new recruit Flood Zone among the least fancied. But nobody told him, and – cruising round the outside on the home turn – victory under a confident ride by ReyLu Guteirrez was never in doubt, and was measured at three-and-a-quarter lengths at the post. Whether or not he can become a legitimate Derby candidate – a job for his Champion trainer Brad Cox to ascertain – Flood Zone has a promising future ahead of him. It’s not all about the Derby. In fact, the very first winner of the Gotham – Native Dancer, back in 1953 – suffered the only defeat of his 22-race career in the Kentucky Derby, but nonetheless won Horse of the Year honours and became a stallion of huge influence. Flood Zone has no fewer than seven crosses of Native Dancer in his pedigree.