Wood Memorial next up for Al Khali
By David Grening
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. - Al Khali, who made a successful North American and 3-year-old debut by winning an allowance race at Gulfstream Park on March 6, will make his next start in the Grade 1, $750,000 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 4, trainer Todd Pletcher said Friday.

Al Khali, a son of Medaglia d'Oro, won two of three races in Peru as a 2-year-old. He was purchased privately by WinStar Farm and turned over to Pletcher last fall. The colt had worked eight times leading up to his first start, including a bullet five-furlong move in 59.80 seconds five days before his allowance win.

"He gradually improved as he went along," Pletcher said at the Palm Meadows training center. "His work before he ran was very good."

In his race, Al Khali raced three wide throughout under John Velazquez, then altered course to rally up the inside when Atomic Rain drifted out in the stretch. Al Khali ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:51.39 and earned an 83 Beyer Speed Figure.

"I thought for the first time in this country, first time around two turns, it was a good effort," Pletcher said. "Johnny felt like there was more there, and he was still learning a bit. It'll be interesting to see how he continues to train after the race."

Pletcher said Velazquez would ride Al Khali in the Wood, which will be headed by Gotham one-two finishers I Want Revenge and Imperial Council