The promising racehorse Mo Plex, who achieved notable victories at Saratoga last summer, stands at a crucial decision point in his career. Trainer Jeremiah Englehart is contemplating the best course of action for the talented colt, weighing between two significant races: the Grade 3 $300,000 Gotham or the $125,000 Gander, both held at Aqueduct. The Gotham, set for March 1st, offers valuable Kentucky Derby qualifying points to its top finishers, while the Gander, scheduled for March 8th, is exclusively for New York-bred sophomores.
Englehart expressed a preference for the Gander as an initial step back into competition after Mo Plex's break. "I'm leaning towards the Gander because it might provide a more manageable challenge for him coming off his rest," he explained. Despite this inclination, Englehart remains open to pushing Mo Plex into tougher competitions if his performance warrants it. Recent training sessions have shown promising results, with Mo Plex breezing a half-mile in 49.64 seconds alongside Hey Toby on the Belmont Park dirt track. Englehart noted that the horse handled the workout well, even when faced with some unexpected adjustments during the session.
Mo Plex's recent second-place finish in the Sleepy Hollow stakes earned him a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 80 from Daily Racing Form, marking a slight improvement over his previous performances. Englehart views these outcomes positively, recognizing the quality of competition Mo Plex faced. He praised both Chancer McPatrick and Sacrosanct, acknowledging their potential to become leading 3-year-olds. Mo Plex's early career was marked by three consecutive wins, including triumphs in the Sanford Stakes and the Funny Cide, showcasing his talent and resilience. As Mo Plex prepares for his next race, all eyes are on him to see how far his abilities can take him in the competitive world of horse racing.