Captain Cook Impressive in Maiden Romp

Just over a month after selling for $410,000 at the Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale, Captain Cook (2c Practical Joke x Pow Wow Wow, by Indian Charlie) broke his maiden with a 9 ¼ length Maiden Special Weight romp at Aqueduct to earn Thoroughbred Daily News ‘Rising Star’ honors on Saturday.

Going off as the 1-2 favorite in the seven-furlong dirt affair, the colt closely tracked the leader throughout the early stages of the race. At the quarter pole, Captain Cook was prompted for more and by the top of the stretch was in full flight.

Kept in a drive throughout the stretch run, the juvenile won by 9 ¼ lengths for new trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. and St. Elias Stable.

Bred by Marylou Whitney Stables, Captain Cook is out of Grade II-placed Pow Wow Wow. That mare is a half-sister to stakes winner Gorgeous Bird out of a daughter of successful racemare Bird Town. Bird Town produced Grade II winner Bird Song and is a half-sister to multiple Grade I winner Birdstone.

Practical Joke is the sire of four TDN Rising Stars with the group also including Grade I winner Ways and Means.