The Hirsch Turf Classic – GI
10/3/20
BEL Race 5 1 1/2M – Turf
Purse $375.000
Three Year Olds and Up

A field of twelve turf runners has been entered for this years running of the grade one Hirsch Turf Classic over the Belmont turf. Let’s take a look at this field.

1. Immoral (12-6-1-3 $2127.260), trained by Mb Stables

First up in the field here and this horse is coming into this race off of a dominant win in the Kentucky Turf Cup. He smoked them on the off track that day but I think he could have a shot here regardless if its firm or not.

2. Argead (19-6-3-1 $505.040), trained by Fractious

Next up here and this horse is coming off of a very poor performance where he was beaten eighteen lengths. If it is back to firm ground I think he will at least run a better race.

3. Arkenstone (23-6-4-1 $761.620), trained by Angelos Stable

Trainer change for this horse and it has been a long time since he has run a very good race. Looks stacked up against it in this field though don’t see him making much noise with this bunch.

4. Annihilator (6-2-1-2 $376.600), trained by Eastern Equine

Scratched

5. Raj Action Packed (46-10-11-9 $2068.540), trained by Night Rider Stables

Next up here a very seasoned horse who had kind of been on hard times without a win since February. At his best he could have a shot but he’ll have to run huge in this one to win.

6. Techfluence (49-15-8-11 $3859.510), trained by The Sidley Stud

A very good and experienced runner and he has been around the block a couple times. He is a very capable horse and should have a big shot at winning this race if he brings his best. Should have a very good shot.

7. Dons Carry On (8-3-1-0 $402.200), trained by Nolespan Racing

Very talented horse here and he just did not seem to fire last time in the Arlington Million. Back on firm ground here and he should stand a very good shot if he runs like he had been before that last race.

8. Fuji (10-4-1-2 $319.100), trained by Smokey Stover

Next up another one coming out of the Arlington Million. Not a terrible race but I don’t think he cared for the ground much that day. He could have an outside chance at winning here but he will have to run a big race.

9. Billy Joel (11-4-3-2 $304.480), trained by La Canada Racehorses

Another one coming off of a bad effort on a bad track and in his only other turf start he won a grade two. Firm ground should help but he’ll have to prove that turf win was not a fluke.

10. Blame It On Luck (15-4-5-1 $771.860), trained by Mb Stables

A grade one and a grade two win in his last two starts and he is on a roll at the moment. If he runs that race once again he could he very hard to beat. He is the horse to beat in this field.

11. Dead Madness (19-9-4-3 $5126.900), trained by John Henry

The winner of the Arlington Million here and he is as solid as you can get in a racehorse. He will be very tough here but with the horse right to his inside I think he will have to work to get by him in here. Very close second choice.

12. Thanks For Nothing (24-5-1-2 $601.600), trained by D J C Racing Stables

A grade one winner on the year here but his last three races have not been very good at all. Going to have to find his old form to have a shot at winning from this outside post.

13. High Command (7-5-0-0 $164.100), trained by Nakamura Stables

Last but not least and he has a very bad post to overcome today. He seems a little outclassed in here and unless he gets the perfect trip not much of a chance from the thirteen post.

Summary

A pretty stellar field here and there is a number of horses I think could win this one. My top two are the ten and eleven as they seem the toughest to in here. Good luck to all in the field.

10-11-6-1

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES