Chester Broman, Sr.'s Right to Party will look to punch his ticket for the Kentucky Derby in the Grade 2, $750,000 Wood Memorial presented by Resorts World Casino, on April 4 at Aqueduct Racetrack. The nine-furlong route for sophomores offers 100-50-25-15-10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the top-five finishers.
Trained by Kenny McPeek and campaigned under the watchful eye of Belmont Park-based assistant Jimmy Jerkens, Right to Party has finished third behind the victorious and likely returning rival Iron Honor in 2-of-3 career starts at the Big A, including on debut in December and last out in the Grade 3 Gotham on February 28.
McPeek said the Wood Memorial is a logical spot for the improving sophomore, who was squeezed at the break of the Gotham and closed from last-of-8 to earn show honors and 15 Kentucky Derby qualifying points.
"I think we're inclined to, and Jimmy has him marked down to go. I did the nom today, but Jimmy and I need to discuss it a little further," McPeek said. "He's a horse that just keeps coming and coming and I think he's going to improve as the year goes along. I think the added distance will suit him, but he might need a bit of a pace setup."
The Kentucky-bred son of Constitution, who was purchased for $325,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, graduated at second asking here with a last-to-first charge traveling a one-turn mile.
"He's a big, beautiful horse. He's got a big, long stride on him - the more distance the better," said McPeek, who indicated Christopher Elliott would retain the mount.
Right to Party [3-1-0-2, $90,200] is out of the New York-bred Emcee mare Havin' a Party. His second dam is 2002 Grade 3 Tempted winner Chimichurri, who finished second to House Party in the following year's Grade 1 Prioress.
