NEW YORK (AP) \u2014 Talk to Me Jimmy made significant strides toward qualifying for the Kentucky Derby with an impressive 11-length triumph in Friday\u2019s $200,000 Wizards Stakes at Aqueduct.<\/p>\n
Ridden by jockey Ruben Silvera, the 3-year-old colt completed the nine-furlong race in 1:51.68, delivering a $26.54 payout at 12-1 odds. Trained and co-owned by Rudy Rodriguez, Talk to Me Jimmy secured 20 points on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, which ranks the top 20 horses eligible for the May 2 race.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis race was a real test of his capabilities, and I believe he passed with flying colors,\u201d said Rodriguez.<\/p>\n
Grittines recovered from a last-place start to finish second, earning 10 qualifying points, while Ottinho took third place by a half-length margin for six points. Schoolyardsuperman finished fourth, gaining four points, followed by Star Sweeter in fifth with two points. The remaining finishers were Fourth-and-One in sixth place, and Mailata trailing in last.<\/p>\n
Rodriguez mentioned that Talk to Me Jimmy likely suffered an injury early on when he stepped on his right front leg with a hind leg during a collision with Mailata, who broke through the gate at the race\u2019s start.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not yet certain how severe the injury is, but we\u2019ll monitor it carefully, clean the wound, and allow him time to recover,\u201d the trainer added.<\/p>\n
The victory earned Talk to Me Jimmy $110,000 and improved his career record to two wins in three starts.<\/p>\n