The Breeders’ Cup match is five weeks away, but the front lines are already in the mud. Aqueduct race track.
After undefeated Flight route enters the final stages of preparation for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on November 5 with an awe-inspiring 19 April in the TVG Pacific Classic (G1) on September 3. $465,000 Woodward Stakes (G1) at Big A provided his main enemy, Life is good with the chance to record one last start before moving on Keeneland for the World Championship.
He didn’t disappoint, though he did give his mutuel supporters, who made him a 1-20 favorite, a second-round late scare.
In a performance that was scraped about 180 degrees from Flightline’s breakneck performance at Del Mar, CHC’s Life Is Good and WinStar Farm, who made $4 million, achieved a comfortable 1 win. /4 length on wet road with endurance Law professor in a performance he was supposed to compete in when the match everyone wanted to see, Flightline vs. Life Is Good, will take place on the Classic 1 1/4 mile show next month.
Elliott Walden, CEO, president and racing director of WinStar Farm, said: “It’s comforting. “It’s in the sequel. It’s not a very difficult race, and it will help prepare him for the next one.”
And the next one should be a classic in more ways than one.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Walden said of the bout with Flightline and the rest of the top ground horses in practice, including winner Lukas Classic (G2) Hot Rod Charlie and 3 year old kids Epicenter ,Taiba and Rich Strike – most of them seem to have the ability to run.
Toteboard tells the story of Woodward, traditionally run at Belmont Park. Against only three opponents after ‘s header Thomas Shelby Life Is Good, a son who has won many awards in the first grade of Into Mischief Hall of Fame coach Todd Pletcher succeeded with minimal odds and led throughout.
Rushing off the tracks, where there were some puddles on the tracks that were tight due to 0.74 inches of rain, cyclist Irad Ortiz Jr. fast break life as well and move out a few roads.
“He got out of there quickly,” Ortiz said. “There wasn’t too much speed in the race and the early part of the race, there was a lot of water. We had a lot of rain. I wanted to get off the tracks and be able to do it. He was fast, and he he was there (in the lead) the whole time.”
Irad Ortiz Jr. enjoy a trip to the winner’s circle on Life Is Good
The fractions are quite comfortable as the 4-year-old dog bred by Gary and Mary West with split ratios: 24.40 and: 48.60 with 34-1 Lots of information closest follower.
“Part of his excellence is being able to go fast and keep going,” Pletcher said after Life Is Good ran ahead turning on his half-mile slowest side in 10 races in the United States. Flying colt posted one: 46.84 half-mile open in previous start and win, Whitney Stakes (G1) at Racecourse Saratoga. “It’s a sensible tactic for today, but I don’t think it’s his preferred running style. His real weapons are high flight speed and the ability to keep going.”
On the final turn, the Twin Creek Racing Stables Law Professor moved with Life Is Good to make matters interesting, but in the ramp at Ortiz’s urging, the foal flew off the 26th shot. -1 to open up a 1-1 lead. /2 length in the middle of the segment and at the top while covering 1 1/8 mile in 1:49.57.
Jose Ortiz, who drove for the Law Professor, a 4-year-old boy, said: “Towards the pole quarter, I thought I had a big shot to win it. But then Life is good things hit another gear.”
The $2.10 winner spun with the final odds of: 12.33 on the rope crossing.
The good life heading home in Woodward
Walden said: “It doesn’t matter what the fractions are. He shows up. He’s an extraordinary horse.”
Pletcher said Life Is Good will arrive in Keeneland on October 3 to begin preparations for the Breeders’ Cup.
The win was his ninth of 11 starts for Life Is Good and fourth in grade 1, pushing his earnings to $4,361,700.
“He’s a great horse with that long stride. It’s been a pleasure to be here and watch him win a big race,” said Kenny Troutt, WinStar owner. “We’ll see what happens in Classic. We’re really excited about it.”
Professor of Law, a half-blood in the family of Structure coached by Rob Atras, is second by 10 1/4 lengths to Cypress Creek Equine, Arnold Bennewith and Spendthrift Farm’s Keepmeinmind , another Pletcher practitioner. Information is the last of the four runners.
“Constitutions, you never take them lightly, and the Law Professor ran the race of his life. It was a great race of his. Constitutions like mud, so I think he will. for (Life is good) run well,” said Walden, whose farm is Constitution.
Life Is Good relationships accepted the trophy for Woodward Stakes
Life Is Good, originally trained by Bob Baffert before moving to Pletcher last summer, is not part of Distorted humor mare Walking on the beach . Purchased for $525,000 from Paramount Sales consignment at Keeneland September, he is her second pony and her first stake winner. Her three most recent ponies include a 2-year-old puppy Good life via Blame a longing Candy Ride Colt, and a full brother of Life Is Good born this year.
Video: Woodward S. (G1)
