The Woodford Turf Classic – Grade I
CD Race 9 1 1/8M – Turf
Purse $500.000
Four Year Olds and Up
One of the first really big turf races of the year and hopefully we get a form turf course for the race. Decibel the winner of the GP Turf Handicap winner looks to be very tough in here as he won that grade one last out. There’s definitely some others that can win so lets take a look at the field.
1. Banshee Star (18-3-3-1 $901.720), trained by Joseph Racing
After switching to the turf three starts back he’s won two on the lawn but ran a very disappointing race in the Kilroe Mile at SA. I’m not quite sure he’s a grade one type horse but he could run a big one and win if all goes in his favor just like the rest of them. Maybe a tad outclassed in here.
2. Rookaholic (14-2-3-1 $179.620), trained by TwinTowers Racing
After a pretty bad finish in the NO Handicap last start the trainer has decided to switch him back to the turf. A very good work last time tells you maybe he’s primed and ready to rumble but I think he’s not on the same class level as a couple of the others in here. If the work means anything he could run a big one.
3. Thuggery (16-3-3-4 $56.320), trained by Night Rider Stables
At first you would probably wonder why in the world is this horse entered in here. But when you look to the outside of the field you see his stalemate who does his best running from out of the clouds. I’m not saying he will be a rabbit but I would not be surprised at all if he is a rabbit for Major Wiener.
4. War Scent (42-10-13-4 $2638.560), trained by Our Athletes
The old autogen who’s seen a lot in his time. He’s a grade one winner and has ran in the Breeders Cup Turf twice with two third place finishes in it. He’s a deep closer in some of his better finishes but he’s also won from close to the pace before so he is versatile which can help him out in here.
5. Grounded In Reality (12-3-3-1 $384.500), trained by Mb Stables
This will be his first of his career on turf but I asked his trainer how he think he works do and he said, “he’s always worked really well on turf I dont know if he’s top level but I think he’ll compete.” He thinks he can have a chance but it’s always a question mark when a horse is doing something for the first time.
6. Decibel (10-4-2-2 $708.300), trained by Threshold
The likely favorite of the race he is coming off a grade one win at GP last start in February. He had been very close in big races before but hadn’t broken through that barrier until last start. If he can keep the momentum going I think he’ll be very tough to beat in here and might be a force to be reckoned with later in the year.
7. Lets Do It Big Boy (10-3-5-0 $101.970), trained by Team 7 Illusions
A thirty five dollar claim last summer he’s paid his new owner pretty good up to this point. He ran in a graded stake last out and didn’t do much though so I think he may be up against it class wise. I probably wouldn’t be picking him myself but if the rain comes in who knows what will happen.
8. Major Wiener (18-4-2-4 $884.160), trained by Night Rider Stables
Last year’s Pattison Canadian International winner from out of the clouds will probably be chiming in late especially if his stalemate Thugger goes to the front as a rabbit. If the pace is fast and he sits where I think he will I would bet most he’ll be flying late to try and get another grade one win.
Summary
It will be a good race and if the rain comes or a rabbit is sent it will definitely be an exciting race. Decibel looks like he’ll be the favorite in here given his recent form and he will be my pick of the race. War Scent and Major Wiener are the best two chances to upset him I think if the pace is fast.
6-4-8-5
Categories: Grade I
