September 29, 2024
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Toll Bridge
A win in Saturday’s $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic would have made War Like Goddess the first three-time champion in the history of the ½-mile event.
But as you may have already gleaned, that did not happen.
Instead, it was 5-2 challenger Far Bridge that shocked the Aqueduct crowd with a come from behind half-length victory.
The Christophe Clement trainee rode into the Hirsch as the third choice amongst the field of five despite an impressive Sword Dancer (G1T) triumph last time out at 8-1.
For defying the odds, once again, Far Bridge paid $7.90 on a $2 win bet.
Weather the Storm
Challenging conditions appeared to have gotten the best of Tapit Trice in Saturday’s $400,000 Woodward (G2), but the 12-start veteran showed incredible poise to rebound from a tough start and grind out a difficult win.
Working closely with rider Dylan Davis, the 4-year-old colt effectively navigated a muddy track at Aqueduct to outduel the field of four and secure his fourth graded stakes title.
The heroic effort was especially encouraging for trainer Todd Pletcher, who has long felt Tapit Trice was a Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) worthy competitor.
Until then, the relentless runner will be remembered for returning $6.80 on a $2 win wager.
Home Away from Home
Although it took a few starts for Subsanador (ARG) to find his rhythm in North America, the Argentinian national looked right at home in the $1 million California Crown (G1) on Saturday at Santa Anita.
After starting his first stateside season with a 3: 0-1-0 mark, the Richard Mandella trainee finally broke through in the Philip H. Iselin (G3) on Aug. 17.
Subsanador took things a step further in the revamped California Crown by beating 8-5 rival National Treasure to the finish line by a head.
The Mike Smith mount is now a sharp 2-1-0 through four starts this season.
At 6-1, Subsanador paid a cool $14.20 for the tenacious victory.
Don’t be Upset
While Kentucky was busy upsetting number six Ole Miss on Saturday night, a 5-year-old gelding by the name of Cabo Spirit pulled off a miracle of his own in the $750,000 John Henry Turf Championship (G2T) at Santa Anita.
Closing as the 11-horse field’s fourth-longest shot at 24-1, Cabo Spirit ran more like the 2-1 favorite in a gate-to-wire masterclass from rider Abel Cedillo.
The 1 ¼-mile affair did not go anywhere according to plan, as the top three closing line choices – Divin Propos (FR) (2-1), Balnikhov (IRE) (2-1), and Gold Phoenix (IRE) (5-1) – all missed the board entirely.
For taking advantage of the wide-open contest, Cabo Spirit paid a sizzling $51.20.
Now that’s an Ending
Hit Show knew better than to end the $500,000 Lukas Classic (G2) on a cliffhanger.
The 4-year-old colt treated the Saturday night crowd at Churchill Downs to a riveting finale chalked full of twists, turns, and high stakes.
Leaving from post six, Hit Show nonchalantly hung around the middle of the eight-horse field so as not to grab any unwanted attention.
Then, the stealthy Florent Geroux mount emerged from the crowd in the late goings determined to track down pack leader Cooke Creek.
In the ensuing duel, Hit Show did just enough to outlast his foe and cross the wire first by a neck.
For nailing the surprise ending, the 3-1 hopeful paid $8.56.