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Is Havre de Grace the BC Classic Favorite?

The latest odds say otherwise, but she certainly belongs in the mix

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Saratoga Diary: Thrillers

Head to head races highlight first day of last week of racing

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Havre de Grace on Her Way to Woodward

Another showdown between Blind Luck and Havre de Grace will likely have to wait for another day, as Rick Porter said Aug. 19 that Havre de Grace is headed to face males in the $750,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Sept. 3.

Blind Luck, Havre de Grace Both Work

Fox Hill Farms' Havre de Grace worked five furlongs in :59 3/5 Aug. 17 at Delaware Park, while rival Blind Luck breezed six furlongs in 1:13 4/5 at Del Mar the same morning.

Shackleford Arrives at Saratoga

Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Shackleford, second by a neck to Coil in the July 31 Haskell Invitational (gr. I), arrived at Saratoga shortly after 4 p.m. Aug. 1 to prepare for his next start.

The Filching of The Ferns

An excellent card takes the meet into waning days.

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Quality Road Looks to Bounce Back in Woodward

Quality Road will try to rebound from his narrow Whitney Handicap (gr. I) defeat last month when headlining the field in the $750,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Sept. 4 at Saratoga.

Rachel Wins NYRA 'Story of the Year'

Rachel Alexandra's extraordinary victory in the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga has been voted by fans as NYRA's 2009 "Story of the Year."

Rachel Doing Well Day After Woodward

Standing outside his barn at Saratoga the morning of Sept. 6, trainer Steve Asmussen was still basking in the glow of Rachel Alexandra's historic victory in the $750,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) as he reported the filly came out of the race in good shape.

Rachel Holds Off Macho Again in Woodward

Rachel Alexandra cemented herself as one of the best fillies of all-time in a race for the ages, as she set a suicidal pace and then was all out under Calvin Borel to hold off a bold charge from Macho Again to win the $750,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) by a head in electrifying fashion Sept. 5 at Saratoga.

Summer Guest Proved Special in 1972 Woodward

Rachel Alexandra seems to have accomplished the impossible this year. The 3-year-old filly won the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) and the Mother Goose Stakes (gr. I) by nearly 40 lengths and manhandled males in the BlackBerry Preakness Stakes (gr. I) and the Haskell Invitational Stakes (gr. I).

Macho Again Confirmed For Woodward Try

Fresh off a runner-up finish in the Whitney Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga, West Point Thoroughbreds' Macho Again will make his next start in the $750,000 Woodward (gr. I) on Sept. 5, where he will meet a field that will include superstar filly Rachel Alexandra.

'Rachel' Breezes at Spa; Next Start Unknown

Preakness-winning filly Rachel Alexandra put in her first work at Saratoga Race Course the morning of Aug. 11 in preparation for her as-yet-to-be-determined next start, covering a half-mile in :50.72 under exercise rider Dominic Terry.

Rachel Back On Training Track at Saratoga

Stonestreet Stable's Rachel Alexandra was on Saratoga's Oklahoma training track Aug. 6 for a gallop and will return to the work tab next week, most likely Aug. 11, trainer Steve Asmussen said.

Frankel May Take On Curlin and Big Brown

Step aside, Allen Jerkens. Bobby Frankel may string up his own slingshot and take on the role of Giant Killer. Frankel said he is considering going up against racing's two-headed monster, Curlin and Big Brown, in the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Aug. 30 and Monmouth Stakes Sept. 13, respectively.

Jackson: Meet Us in the Gold Cup Instead

Jess Jackson, majority owner of Curlin, responded to the connections of Big Brown Aug. 13 after they declined an invitation to race the reigning Horse of the Year in the Woodward Stakes (gr. I), challenging them instead to meet in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) Sept. 27 at Belmont Park. Jackson also stated the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) at Santa Anita "is not part of my current plan for Curlin."

Jackson Issues Challenge to Big Brown

The Big Brown-Curlin soap opera continued Aug. 13 when Jess Jackson, majority owner of 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin, announced he will donate $50,000 from the Jackson Curlin for Kids Fund to the non-profit Belmont Child Care Association, Anna House, if Big Brown runs in the $500,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Aug. 30.

Big Brown Won't Meet Curlin in Woodward

Minority owner Paul Pompa Jr. confirmed that Big Brown will not go to Saratoga this summer. The connections will instead look for a turf race for the dual classic winner's next start.

Curlin to Make Next Start in Woodward

Curlin will make his next start in the $500,000 Woodward (gr. I) Aug. 30 at Saratoga, Stonestreet Stables' Jess Jackson told media members Aug. 5, but the majority owner would not commit to sending the reigning Horse of the Year anywhere after that, including the Breeders' Cup later this year at Santa Anita. Jackson also left the possibility open that Curlin could race next year, saying the chances were "pretty slim, but not foreclosed."

Lawyer Ron Crushes Woodward Foes

Well, it wasn't another course record, but the performance by Lawyer Ron in the $500,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Sept. 1 was every bit as impressive as what he did one month earlier in the Whitney Handicap (gr. I).

Another Monster Effort From Lawyer Ron?

Todd Pletcher is not expecting another Saratoga track record, but the nation's leading trainer is looking forward to another big effort from Lawyer Ron in the $500,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Sept. 1 at Saratoga.

Premium Tap Drills Sharp Half-Mile for BC Classic

Following Sunday's deluge of Todd Pletcher works, and a pair by Kiaran McLaughlin's two stars, there still was enough activity at Belmont Park on a glorious fall morning Oct. 30 to keep one entertained.

Saratoga Diary: Of Bridesmaids and Brides

Tracy Farmer's dark bay colt by Charismatic has amassed more than $2 million on the racetrack, but even as the 2-1 favorite, he could only finish third in The Woodward (gr. I) on Saturday.

Premium Tap Pours It On in Woodward Shock

Saratoga Race Course's first running of The Woodward (gr. I) produced what is believed to be the highest winning odds in the prestigious stake's 53-year history when 31-1 shot Premium Tap edged Second of June by a half-length Saturday.

Sadness in Woodward for Flower Alley's Connections

The running of the $500,000 Woodward (gr. I) Saturday at Saratoga could turn out to be the most crucial start of the year for 2005 Travers (gr. I) champion Flower Alley. It will be the colt's first race since the death of his breeder, George Brunacini, one of 49 people who perished Sunday morning in the crash of Comair Flight 5191 in Lexington.

Woodward, Forego to be Aired Live on ESPN

The "Road to the Breeders' Cup World Championships – Powered by Dodge" will present live coverage of the Woodward Stakes and Forego Handicap (both gr. I) Sept. 2 on ESPN from 4:30-5:30 p.m. (ET).

Funny Cide Preps for Woodward With Bullet Work

Funny Cide, who has been the pride of Sackatoga Stable, New York and Saratoga, put in the best workout for five furlongs over Saratoga's main track in 1:00, breezing, Thursday morning.

Invasor Likely to Run in Woodward Next

Invasor, winner of Saturday's Whitney Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga in a thrilling stretch drive over Sun King, is likely to make his next start in the $500,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) on Sept. 2.

Saint Liam Gets Help, Gallops in Woodward

Trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. figured all he needed in order to get Saint Liam home on top in Saturday's $490,000 Woodward (gr. I) was to put a little pace pressure on Commentator, who upset his star in the Whitney (gr. I). Dutrow's strategy worked to perfection as Saint Liam galloped home an easy winner at Belmont Park.

Commentator Vs. Saint Liam in Woodward

Saturday's $500,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont Park managed to pry four horses out of the comfort of their stalls for the dubious task of taking on the race's two brilliant stars, Commentator and Saint Liam, the one-two finishers in the Whitney Handicap (gr. I).

Saint Liam Breezes for Saturday's Woodward

Saint Liam breezed six furlongs over Aqueduct's main track Sunday morning in 1:16 3/5. An earner of more than $1.7 million, Saint Liam is running in Saturday's $500,000 Woodward (gr. I) at Belmont Park.

Commentator Returns to Track

Grade I winner Commentator breezed a half mile over Saratoga's training track Friday morning in :51. It was the gelding's first recorded work since winning the Whitney Handica (gr. I) Aug. 6.

Options Open for Roses in May

Ken and Sarah Ramsey's Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) winner Roses in May breezed six furlongs in 1:14 4/5 over the main Saratoga Race Course track Thursday with Angel Cordero Jr. in the irons.

Sis City Breezes Toward Alabama

Stonerside Stable's Sis City, winner of the Ashland Stakes (gr. I) earlier this year, breezed seven furlongs in 1:27 3/5 over the main Saratoga Race Course track Thursday morning with Rudy Rodriguez aboard. The filly is scheduled to make her next start in the Alabama (gr. I) Aug. 20.

Woodward Thriller Goes to Ghostzapper

There was no debating Ghostzapper's talent heading into the $500,000 Woodward (gr. I) at Belmont Park Saturday. After his gut-wrenching neck victory over Saint Liam, fans have a good idea of the size of his heart as well.

Seven Challenge Ghostzapper in Woodward

While he's well known to those who follow speed figures, impressive Ghostzapper takes the national stage for the first time Saturday as the horse to beat in the $500,000 Woodward (gr. I) at Belmont Park.

Californian Begins TVG/Fox Sports Net TV Series

The first "Road to the World Thoroughbred Championships on TVG/Fox Sports Net" show of the season will air Saturday from Hollywood Park in Los Angeles.

Mineshaft Shakes Tiger Loose in Woodward

Mineshaft, clearly the class of the field, shook off a stubborn Hold That Tiger in the stretch to draw away to an easy 4 1/4-length triumph in the $500,000 Woodward at Belmont Park Saturday.

Mineshaft Ready for Next Step in Woodward

William Farish's Mineshaft will be the marquee attraction on Saturday's Belmont Park card that will feature three grade I events. The 4-year-old colt will go for his third straight grade I win against four rivals in the $500,000 Woodward Stakes over 1 1/8 miles.

O'Brien Hoping to See the 'Old' Hold That Tiger in Woodward

It's taken more than 10 months, but Hold That Tiger, who finished a fast-closing third in the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I), finally has returned to the U.S. to run in Saturday's $500,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I).

Mineshaft Posts Impressive Move

Will Farish's Mineshaft moved one step closer to next Saturday's $500,000 Woodward (gr. I) at Belmont Park with a six-furlong work that went in an impressive 1:11 2/5 over the Saratoga Race Course main track Thursday morning for trainer Neil Howard.

Howard Impressed with Travers Winner

Neil Howard, trainer of top older horse Mineshaft, watched the Travers (gr. I) with interest. He is likely to meet up with Ten Most Wanted later in the fall at the Breeders' Cup.

Two-Time Champion Lido Palace Retired

Amerman Racing Stables' Lido Palace, a millionaire twice over and two-time champion colt in his native Chile, has been retired from racing due to a wrenched ankle that has not sufficiently responded to rest.

Gander Back On Track After Slight Fever

Woodward (gr. I) runner-up Gander came out of the race with a slight "bug," but has recovered according to trainer John Terranova.

Lido Palace Heads Small Woodward Field; Three Grade I Races Saturday at Belmont

Lido Palace heads a field of only six when he tries to repeat in the grade I Woodward Stakes at Belmont on Saturday. The card also features to other grade I races, the Man o' War and Gazelle.

Clement Has Top Pair for Opening Belmont Stakes Weekend

Mariensky has been primed for the Garden City Breeders' Cup (gr. I) spot after her troubled U.S. debut, while Craigsteel would relish a soft going in the Man o' War (gr. IT). The races are Sept. 7-8.

Lemon Drop Kid Wins Woodward Stretch Duel

Behrens, Skimming, and Lemon Drop Kid arrived at the top of the stretch three across the track, before Behrens, on the inside, and Lemon Drop Kid engaged in a stretch-long duel won by the latter in the $500,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Saturday at Belmont. Under Edgar Prado, Lemon Drop Kid completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.53 over a fast track, finishing a head in front of Behrens.

Lemon Drop Kid Tops Woodward Field

Behrens and Lemon Drop Kid have faced off in each of their last two starts, and the two will meet again Saturday in the $500,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont Park.

Running Stag Unlikely for Woodward; Skimming To Run

Due to a minor injury to his left front leg, Richard Cohen's Running Stag is now considered unlikely for the $500,000 Woodward (gr. I), according to assistant trainer Roger Teal. Meanwhile, Pacific Classic (gr. I) winner Skimming will ship to Belmont Park on Tuesday ahead of the Sept. 16th race.

Lemon Drop Kid, Early Pioneer Work

Lemon Drop Kid continued preparing for the $500,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I), completing a six-furlong drill over the main track in 1:13 1/5, handily, at Saratoga on Thursday. At Del Mar, Early Pioneer worked a mile in 1:39 2/5, handily.