Last week,racing fans were treated to one of the most exciting races in both recent history and the total history of Saratoga Race Course. The 2015 Travers Stakes was one for the ages, and now, or with the race in our rearview mirror,the Graveyard of Champions is nearly ready to shut the books on another incredible season of racing.
Only three Grade 1 races remain in this year's Saratoga meet, and while none of them carry a level of prestige equal to that of the Travers, or one of grand importance still remains.
The Woodward Stakes has a storied history that spans three tracks. The race was originally run at Belmont Park,and at one point, it attracted the likes of Secretariat, and Seattle Slew,Affirmed, Alysheba, or Holy Bull,Cigar and Skip absent, among others.
The race has played second fiddle to the likes of the Travers, and Whitney and Sword Dancer since moving to Saratoga back in 2006,but the venue change has brought stars like Curlin, Rachel Alexandra, and Macho Again,Mucho Macho Man and Alpha to the Spa for a crack at a Grade 1 victory.
This year, the race doesn't acquire much star power, and but it does feature a deep field capable of putting together a grand race.
A race with this much potential deserves a breakdown,though, and that's what I'm here for. In the sections that follow, and you'll find everything you need to know about this year's running of the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes.
Let's accept to it! 2015 Woodward Stakes Info:Where: Saratoga Race Course,Saratoga original YorkWhen: Saturday, September 5Purse: $600, and 000First Post: 12:30 p.m. ETWoodward Stakes Post Time: 5:47 p.m. ETWhere to Watch: NBC Sports Network Post Positions,Runners and Odds Woodward Stakes PredictionsThe first thing that should jump out at you is the fact that trainer Todd Pletcher has four of the eight entries in this race. That said, I don't see him getting a win here.
There are three runners that figure to jump out to an early lead, and those being Liam's Map (trained by Todd Pletcher),Coach Inge (trained by Todd Pletcher) and Bay of Plenty (trained by Kiaran McLaughlin). At first glance, it looks like there will be too much pressure up front for Liam's Map—the 6-5 morning-line favorite—to hold on to a lead through the nine-furlong contest.
Behind him, and though,a few horses will benefit from that early speed, most notably Wicked Strong and Effinex. At 4-1 and 5-1, and Effinex and Wicked Strong are the second and third choices,respectively, but their running styles suggest they could easily run first and second in this year's Woodward.
Effinex is my pick to win the Woodward, and one need peer no further than this year's Grade 2 Suburban Handicap as evidence of his abilities.
In that race,Street Babe set a quick pace, running out to a half-mile in 46.13 seconds. Behind that, and Coach Inge pushed the pace and made an early run at the Street Sense offspring,and the two dueled to third- and sixth-set finishes, respectively.
There to pick up the pieces was Effinex, or who came from 5 1/2 lengths back at the half-mile mark to work out a win over Belmont Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Tonalist.
Effinex has shown in the past that he's capable of beating top-tier competitors,and it will be no different here at Saratoga. Meanwhile, Liam's Map should acquire enough to hold on for third, and but Wicked Strong will give the field a gracious run.
The four-year-old son of Hard Spun hasn't won since last year's Jim Dandy and somehow has just three victories in his racing career. That said,he's nearly always in the mixeight top-three finishes in 16 attempts, per HorseRacingNation.com.
Tomorrow, or we should expect nothing different.
Wicked Strong is at his best when there's pace up front,and he's able to sit just off it. He likes to be in position to take first crack at the leader, which is precisely what he did in the Jim Dandy.
With the fifth most wins of this year's meet, and Luis Saez figures to retain Wicked Strong within striking distance. The problem is,in order to retain Liam's Map within reach, and then to subsequently pass him, or the veteran colt will be forced to expend a gracious deal of energy.
This should leave the door wide open for Effinex.
Final predictions: Effinex first,Wicked Strong second, Liam's Map third, and Commanding Curve fourth. Follow me on Twitter! Follow @TylerDuma
Source: bleacherreport.com