Godolphin's promising young thoroughbred, Poster, is gearing up for a significant challenge in the listed Withers Stakes at Aqueduct on February 1. The nine-furlong race will be a crucial test for this chestnut colt, who has already shown remarkable potential with a win in the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes last December. Trainer Eoin Harty expressed confidence in Poster's ability to handle the longer distance and varied conditions.

Poster's journey to this point has been impressive. After making his dirt debut in the Remsen, where he secured a narrow victory over Aviator Gui, Poster demonstrated versatility by adapting well to the surface and distance. His performance earned him a career-best speed rating and valuable Kentucky Derby qualifying points. Despite recent interruptions due to harsh winter weather in Kentucky, Harty remains optimistic about Poster's preparation. "He’s doing very well, and if everything goes according to plan, he’ll be ready for New York," Harty noted.

Beyond Poster, Harty also oversees other promising prospects like First Resort and Very Bold. First Resort, another Godolphin homebred, showed promise with a strong finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. Meanwhile, Very Bold, owned by Calumet Farm, aims to build on his recent second-place finish in the Pasco Stakes. Both horses are being carefully managed to ensure they peak at the right time as they pursue their own paths to the Kentucky Derby.

The upcoming races provide these talented young horses with opportunities to showcase their abilities and accumulate more Derby qualifying points. As trainers and owners meticulously prepare their charges, the excitement surrounding these events underscores the competitive spirit of horse racing. Each step forward represents not only a chance for individual glory but also the collective hope and dedication of the entire racing community.