On April 4, 2026, Aqueduct hosts The Wood Memorial (Grade II) at 1 1/8 miles on dirt for three-year-olds, offering a purse of $750.000 and serving as a key Kentucky Derby points race. This race has long been a proving ground for top sophomores stretching out, with notable recent winners like Battle Plan (2023), Fujisan (2024), and Fawkes (2025). Mb Stables has enjoyed repeated success in this race over time, including victories in 2014, 2019, and 2023, while Delta Farms captured the most recent renewal. With Derby eligibility on the line, this year’s field brings a mix of developing route runners and lightly raced upside types looking to peak at the right moment.

1. Big Bang Orbitor

Trainer/Owner: Rock Creek
Probable Jockey: Husbands P
Odds: 12-1

Big Bang Orbitor comes in off a sharp allowance win at Tampa going a mile where he tracked and finished strongly to score. He has already proven capable at longer distances, winning twice from three route attempts, and his prior experience in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) gives him some class foundation. His record of 2 wins from 6 starts with earnings of $30.730 suggests a developing type. He appears to be improving, but this represents a step up in depth and quality. He is a fringe contender with upside.

2. Concession Speech

Trainer/Owner: Noblepark
Probable Jockey: Rosario J
Odds: 5-2

Concession Speech is one of the more accomplished runners in the field with 4 wins from 9 starts and earnings of $261.960. He returned in March with a strong win in an optional claimer at Gulfstream, closing from off the pace, and previously finished third in the Remington Springboard Mile. His effort in the Withers (G3) was not as strong, but he has shown the ability to rebound. With tactical versatility and a solid route foundation, he stands out as a major win candidate.

3. Seven Colors

Trainer/Owner: Big Guns Stables
Probable Jockey: Hernandez J J
Odds: 15-1

Seven Colors has danced in top company, including starts in the Rebel (G2) and Los Alamitos Futurity (G2), but has yet to break through at this level. His lone win came on turf, though he has shown flashes of ability on dirt routes. His 1 win from 6 starts and earnings of $47.430 indicate potential but not yet fulfillment. He will need to improve on recent efforts to contend here.

4. Suspended

Trainer/Owner: Mb Stables
Probable Jockey: Esquivel E
Odds: 6-1

Suspended is still a maiden but has been highly competitive in strong company, including a runner-up finish in the Gotham (G3) last out. He has now hit the board in multiple stakes-quality races and has earned $308.330 without winning, which speaks to the level of competition he has faced. His consistency and ability to stay on make him dangerous, though the lack of a win remains a concern. He is a legitimate contender if he takes the next step.

5. Off To Shepton

Trainer/Owner: Asgar
Probable Jockey: Beschizza A
Odds: 10-1

Off To Shepton ran a credible third in the Gotham (G3), closing from well back to finish within striking range. His prior win in a Florida state-bred stakes over 1 1/16 miles shows he can handle distance, and his earnings of $234.550 reflect solid placement. With only five starts, there is room for improvement. He looks like a mid-tier contender with upside for a placing.

6. Wealthy B Wonka

Trainer/Owner: Mb Stables
Probable Jockey: Lezcano J
Odds: 8-1

Wealthy B Wonka has been competitive in graded company, finishing third in the Withers (G3) and fourth in the Fountain of Youth (G2). He has consistently been involved early and has shown the ability to stay on at longer distances. His record of 1 win from 6 starts and earnings of $200.460 suggests he fits this level. If he improves slightly off his recent efforts, he can be a serious factor.

7. Up To No Good

Trainer/Owner: Riggins Racing
Probable Jockey: Pennington F
Odds: 20-1

Up To No Good has competed in strong races such as the San Felipe (G2) and Champagne (G1) but has struggled to make a winning impact. His lone win came earlier in his career, and while he has placed in stakes company, his recent efforts have been less competitive. With 1 win from 11 starts and earnings of $239.640, he appears to need a significant step forward to threaten.

8. Endless Stir

Trainer/Owner: Mb Stables
Probable Jockey: Saez L
Odds: 6-1

Endless Stir is the lightly raced wildcard with strong upside. He broke his maiden impressively at Gulfstream going 6 furlongs, showing tactical speed and determination. Prior to that, he was second on turf. With only two starts and earnings of $53.600, he lacks experience but not ability. The stretch-out to 1 1/8 miles is the big question, but his profile suggests he could be anything. A dangerous emerging type.

9. Dune Road

Trainer/Owner: D J C Racing Stables
Probable Jockey: Juarez A J Jr
Odds: 7-1

Dune Road has been competitive in graded company, including a fourth-place finish in the Fountain of Youth (G2) and a strong second in the Allison Derby at Sunland. His consistent speed figures and ability to stay within range make him a solid contender. With earnings of $85.600, he has not yet broken through at the top level but is knocking on the door.

10. Mankayia

Trainer/Owner: Delta Farms
Probable Jockey: Sanchez M J
Odds: 12-1

Mankayia showed promise earlier in his career with three wins from his first five starts but has struggled in his two most recent graded attempts, including the Fountain of Youth (G2). His earnings of $56.600 reflect a horse still trying to find his footing at this level. He would need a rebound performance to factor here.

11. Terrorizer

Trainer/Owner: TwinTowersRacing
Probable Jockey: Cedillo A
Odds: 15-1

Terrorizer is an intriguing runner who showed early speed in the Tampa Derby (G3) before fading late. He broke his maiden impressively prior to that and has only three career starts. With earnings of $33.600, he is still developing, but his early pace could play a role in shaping the race. He is a longshot with potential to impact the pace.

12. Cumberland Blue

Trainer/Owner: Jerry Garcia Racing
Probable Jockey: Borel C H
Odds: 3-1

Cumberland Blue enters off a strong win in the Gotham (G3), where he closed powerfully to score. He also finished second in the Swale Stakes earlier this year and has now earned $246.160 from just four starts. His ability to finish strongly at a mile suggests the added distance should suit him well. With a proven graded win and continued improvement, he looks like one of the most likely winners.

13. Stray Cat

Trainer/Owner: Alydar Stables
Probable Jockey: Fuentes M T Jr
Odds: 9-1

Stray Cat has been competitive in regional Derby preps, finishing third in the Sunland Derby and running in the Virginia Derby. His earnings of $150.800 and consistent performances suggest he fits in this field, though he has yet to deliver a breakout effort at the highest level. He is a usable contender underneath.

14. The Babylonian

Trainer/Owner: Nakamura Stables
Probable Jockey: Castillo I
Odds: 25-1

The Babylonian comes off a fifth-place finish in the Virginia Derby and a prior allowance win. His overall record of 2 wins from 8 starts and earnings of $37.470 suggests he may be a step below the top contenders here. He would need a significant improvement to factor.

Pace Structure and Race Outlook

The pace should be honest. Terrorizer and Endless Stir are the most likely to show early initiative, with Wealthy B Wonka and Mankayia tracking close behind. Concession Speech and Cumberland Blue should settle midpack with clear running lanes, while closers like Off To Shepton and Dune Road look to make sustained runs through the second half of the race. The race shape favors a horse with tactical positioning and the ability to finish strongly over the final quarter.

Projected Winner

Cumberland Blue stands out as the most likely winner. His Gotham (G3) victory, improving profile, and strong finishing ability make him the most reliable choice in a field filled with developing runners.

Top selection: Cumberland Blue
Main danger: Concession Speech
Best upside threat: Endless Stir
Value contender: Suspended

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES, THE TRIPLE CROWN