September 26, 2024
NEW YORK — By Ed DeRosa
When it comes to the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes on Saturday at (Belmont at) Aqueduct, the one sure bet I would make is that none of these horses will be a factor in the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Nov. 2 at Del Mar.
Yes, this is a Grade 1 prep race for North America’s richest turf race, but this is an underwhelming group. I bring that up only so you can make a note not to get charmed by what happens in this race.
The better news is that there should be opportunity in this race thanks to the presence of #4 War Like Goddess, who has earned more than $2.7-million in an impressive multiple-Grade 1-winning career but who has failed to run anywhere near her best races as a now-seven-year-old.
She always takes money, and I am going to bet against her on Saturday.
#6 Silver Knott and #7 Far Bridge both have recent wins in gate-to-wire fashion, and that kind of early speed is a potent weapon on turf. Silver Knott is consistently faster, but Far Bridge has some faster races.
I bring them up not because either is my pick but because they’ll likely be among the top three choices (with War Like Goddess), and I like an even bigger price in #5 Truly Quality, who won going away last out at this 1 ½-mile distance at Colonial Downs three weeks ago. This is a class test for the four-year-old gelding trying Grade 1 competition, but jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. getting the mount adds to the intrigue on a horse who figures to get a great trip behind Silver Knott and Far Bridge drawn to his outside.
THE BET:
I will bet Truly Quality to win and play him in what is called an exacta key box with Silver Knott and Far Bridge. That bet requires your key (in this case Truly Quality) to be first or second with any one of your other horses.
BONUS PLAY: I really like Muth in the California Crown Stakes (G1) on Saturday at Santa Anita Park!
