Hansen will start next in the Grade III Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct.

This according to Dr. Harvey Diamond, founder and racing manager of Skychai Racing, part owner of Hansen along with breeder and original sole owner Dr. Kendall Hansen.

“We felt that the Gotham was a good spot, and the timing was excellent,” Diamond said of the Michael Maker-trained colt. “We would love to take a shot at the Big Apple.”

After an undefeated three-for-three campaign last year that culminated with a narrow victory over Union Rags in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs, Hansen’s 2012 debut did not go as hoped.

On Jan. 29, Hansen stumbled at the start of the Grade III Holy Bull Stakes. He quickly recovered and took the lead, going through the opening-half mile in :45.67. He wasn't able to fend off Algorithms in the stretch, finishing second by several lengths.

“We would like to get a better start in the Gotham,” Diamond said.  “We don’t want to make excuses, but when you think about it, he probably ran the first quarter a second faster than what the timer showed. He ran two really fast quarters, and that affected him in the latter stages.

"We are not taking anything away from Algorithms. He is a super horse and was better that day than Hansen. We just hope that on Gotham Day, he will settle himself in the gate and show the Hansen that we all know he is.”

Diamond added that after the Gotham, there are a number of possible options, including the Grade III Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes and the Grade I Resorts World New York City Casino Wood Memorial.

--Edited NYRA release