Brooklyn Strong Edges Ten for Ten in Remsen

OZONE PARK, NY – Mark Schwartz’s bargain-bin purchase Brooklyn Strong edged out the pacesetting favorite Ten for Ten to win Saturday’s $150,000 Remsen Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct.

Sent from post 3 under Joel Rosario as the 7/1 fourth choice in the field of five juvenile males, Brooklyn Strong settled outside and in the clear at the back of the group as they entered the clubhouse turn.

Ten for Ten, the bettors’ top choice at 6/5, set the early tempo under Jose Ortiz and raced unchallenged up front through opening fractions of :23.67, :47.86, and 1:12.69.

While his other rivals began dropping anchor through the far turn, Brooklyn Strong kicked into gear and presented his challenge as the field straightened for home.

Ranging up to take the lead near the 1/16 pole, the Daniel Velazquez trainee held gamely in the stretch to win by a hard-fought neck, completing the 1 1/8-mile sloppy main track route in 1:50.60.

It was 8 1/4 lengths back to Known Agenda in third. Pickin’ Time and Erawan completed the similarly strung-out order of finish.

The Remsen is part of the Road to the 2021 Kentucky Derby prep race season. Brooklyn Strong earned 10 points for the win, with Ten for Ten receiving 4 for second, Known Agenda 2 for third, and Pickin’ Time 1 for fourth.

Brooklyn Strong’s win was his second at the stakes level following success against his fellow New York-breds last time out in the Sleepy Hollow at Belmont Park. The Wicked Strong gelding, bought for just $5,000 this past April, has now earned $195,000 to go with his record of 4-3-0-1.

Brooklyn Strong returned $16.20 to win and $5 to place, while Ten for Ten paid $2.80 to place. There was no show betting.