Woodford Turf Classic (Grade 1)- $500.000 Purse
CD- For Four Year Olds and Upward
One Mile and One Eighth on the Turf
May 2, 2015

It was not that long ago that Spanish Showboat was one of the favorites for the BC Turf.  A successful 2014 that saw the Mb Stables star win over $1,300.000 for the year seemed to destined to end with at very least, a strong finish on racing’s biggest day.  But that didn’t happen.  For redemption, what better place could there be then CD on racing’s second biggest day: the day in which the KYD would be run.  People were shying away from Spanish Showboat at the betting window, interested more in the hot horse of the moment, Moms Guy, the filly taking on the boys in Short Dog, or our pre-race favorite, Breiterate.  This time, there would be no denying Spanish Showboat his victory, as the talented five year old gelding captures the Woodford Turf Classic in front of a jam-packed grandstand at CD.  I Ortiz Jr, who had built chemistry with the horse while running for Team Furey, but had only been aboard once for Mb Stables (a race he won), would be the winning jockey.  It is both his, and the trainers first career Woodford victory.  The winning time was 1:45.10.  Congrats to all of the connections!

1st- 8- Spanish Showboat (6/1)- Strong right from the start for Mb Stables, leading the field down the frontstretch for the first time.  Maintained his lead over the course of the clubhouse turn, with the field content to run in the same line from front to back, setting the opening half mile  in :46.95.  The run during the backstretch was much the same as I Ortiz Jr comfortably ran his pacesetter at 1:09.83 for three-quarters, without much pressure coming from anyone.   Spanish Showboat was just fine with this, maintaining the same size lead during the turn and over the course of the stretch.  Moms Guy, who had stalked him most of the way, never challenged him for the lead, and only late did Pip Cozzene began to get near him, making this win look quite effortless. It was a well earned wire-to-wire win, a type of win we don’t see enough of in races like this. Perfectly executed performance, and it will be interesting to see if I Ortiz Jr has won himself this mount for the long haul.  Congrats again to all of the connections!

2nd- 1- Pip Cozzene (8/1)- Looking to get his sire his second straight Woodford win, the Chili King Stables entry had an average start along the rail.  D Van Dyke was content to keep him in this position, with Skipping Stone beside him, about three lengths form the lead.  Began advancing midway into the stretch run, and taking second place, but was never able to concern Spanish Showboat in the stretch.

3rd- 6- Moms Guy (5/2)- The pre-race favorite from Yahudi Stables got off to a good start, positioned about a length from the lead early.   Continued to stalk Spanish Showboat during the backstretch without getting up there and racing beside him.  This was the story of his race.  It ends up as a good third place finish in the past performances for next time, but it will have left those who made him the favorite wanting to see more.

4th- 4- Skipping Stone (12/1)- Average start for the Night Rider Stables entry, stalking the stalkers, about three lengths from the lead.  Maintained his midpack position for the entire backstretch run, and into the final turn.  Advanced with Pip Cozzene at the top of stretch, but wasn’t quite as fast as him in this stretch.  Was reeling in Moms Guy for third, but ran out of time.

5th- 3- Short Dog (9/2)- The filly from Maverick Racing did not get off to a good start, and only had one horse beaten the first time she hit the finish line.  Content to remain at the back of the field for much of the race.  Made a wide move at the top of the stretch and ran well, but conceded too much ground to the leaders to make her presence felt.

6th- 5- Breiterate (3/1)- Good early, opting for a stalking trip heading into the first turn for trainer Sanny Village.  Held steady during that opening turn, but began to lose ground during the backstretch run to Moms Guy.  In the stretch, he was not able to keep up, and found himself passed by several.

7th- 2- Carnage (12/1)- Towards the back early for D J C Racing Stables, but not too far off the pace.  Lost ground to the rest of the pack towards the end of the backstretch and into the turn.  Unfortunately for his trainer, this where Carnage seemed to remain for the race, never making a move.  Perhaps you can make a case that another furlong could have seen him pass a couple, but nothing more then that.

8th- 7- Stormy Kg (11/1)- Did not start off running for Running Farms, dropping promptly to the back.  Remained in the last position during the backstretch run, and into the turn.  Unfortunately for his new trainer, this race was a dud for Stormy Kg, making us feel even more so that Blushing Meadows made his sale at the perfect time.

Track: Firm
Time: :46⁴  1:09⁴  1:33   1:45

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 8 – 1 Paid 54.80
$1 Trifecta: 8 – 1 – 6 Paid 170.90

Scratched: None

— NS

Categories: Grade I