Woodward Recap Analysis - Super Screener
Super Screener

Woodward Recap Analysis

2015 Woodward Stakes (G1) post race recap

If ever horse deserved to win a G1 it was Liam’s Map after his monstrous performance in defeat in the Whitney. The Woodward was his chance at grabbing that elusive G1 as Honor Code and Tonalist both sat out in order to give themselves better spacing from the Whitney to the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

While the pace looked strong on paper, Todd Pletcher controlled most of it and New York riders can be, shall we say, unassertive. The Woodward was over as soon as stablemate Coach Inge, and inexplicably non-stablemate Bay of Plenty, took back and conceded and easy lead to Liam’s Map who was able to set soft fractions (for him) of 23.69, 47.49 and 1:10.94.

Coming into the stretch, Liam’s Map had plenty of energy to re-break and won easily by nearly 5 lengths. Our top pick Coach Inge, finished 2nd at a touch under 10-1 and the Jimmy Jerkins pair of closers Wicked Strong and Effinex (who we tabbed as the keys to use underneath in exotics Supers) rounded out the Superfecta.

Going forward the key question is can Liam’s Map get the 1 1/4 miles, especially if he’s under pressure? He’s got all sorts of talent and a front-end duel with American Phaorah could be sensational to see but it could also set the table for a major upset in the Classic at Keeneland (Wicked Strong, Tonalist or, Keen Ice could fit that bill).

We’ll assume Liam’s Map will train up to the Breeders’ Cup so you have two months to figure out one of the biggest X-factors in the Classic division.

WINNER: Liam’s Map  

TRACK BIAS: none

TOUGH TRIP: none

IMPRESSIVE EFFORTLiam’s Map showed a lot by running right back to his huge Whitney form

SUPER SCREENER PRE-RACE QUALITY RATING: B+

SUPER SCREENER POST-RACE QUALITY RATING: A