Expert prediction
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Picks, Odds, Betting Preview, and Insights (Sep 26)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- When: Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 5:19 PM ET
- Where: Belmont Park, New York, USA
- How to Watch: FanDuel TV
Clues ahead of the 2026 Breeders’ Cup will be on offer at Belmont Park this weekend, as the G1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic headlines the card. Talented turf horses will compete over a distance of 1 ½ miles, with international raiders such as El Cordobes and Pride of Arras taking on American contenders such as Program Trading and Minaret Station. You can find the latest odds available at the best horse racing betting sites and our picks here.
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Odds
| Horse (Stall) | Odds |
|---|---|
| Minaret Station (1) | +350 |
| Pride of Arras (2) | +1100 |
| El Cordobes (3) | +250 |
| Far Bridge (4) | +550 |
| Asbury Park (5) | +2000 |
| Fort George (6) | +500 |
| Program Trading (7) | +450 |
Latest odds taken from an Offshore Sportsbook. BetOnline markets open on the day of the race.
Race Information & Records
| Stat | Information |
|---|---|
| Race Distance | 1 1/2 Miles |
| Purse | $500,000 |
| Most Successful Trainer | Chad Brown (8) |
| Most Successful Jockey | John Velazquez (5) |
ALSO SEE: Presidents Cup Picks, Odds & Betting Preview (Sep 24-27)
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic: Recent Winners
- 2025– Rebel’s Romance (Frankie Dettori/Charlie Appleby)
- 2024– Far Bridge (Joel Rosario/Christophe Clement)
- 2023– War Like Goddess (Junior Alvarado/William Mott)
- 2022– War Like Goddess (Jose Lezcano/William Mott)
- 2021– Rockemperor (Javier Castellano/Chad Brown)
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic: Betting Preview
A high-quality renewal of the G1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic headlines the card on the second weekend of racing at new-look Belmont Park this weekend. It has been a key race on the road to the Breeders’ Cup in helping set the pecking order for the Turf, with Rebel’s Romance winning the race 12 months ago before finishing second at Del Mar.
It has been a trusted path for the Godolphin operation, ensuring that El Cordobes (Flavien Prat/Charlie Appleby) should be respected. The five-year-old was beaten three lengths in this race 12 months ago, before finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Was below that standard when last seen in Doha, and he may likely need the run to build fitness. However, the red-hot form of the Appleby yard ensures he is a worthy favorite.
Minaret Station (Jose Ortiz/William Walden) is undeniably America’s best chance in the Turf this year. The four-year-old holds a very strong form line after finishing a close second behind Survie in the G1 Christophe Clement Turf. However, his knack of not getting his nose in front is an obvious worry.
Far Bridge (John Velazquez/Miguel Clement) won this race back in 2024, before finishing fourth 12 months ago. Looked back to his best in March when winning the G3 Pan American Stakes, but the layoff ahead of this weekend’s race is a notable concern when it comes to the chances of the six-year-old.
European raiders Fort George (Kieran Shoemark/Ed Walker) and Pride Of Arras (James Doyle/Ralph Beckett) should be competitive. However, the former has been frustrating on his U.S. starts this season, finishing second in the G2 Bowling Green and third in the G2 Kentucky Turf Cup.
Pride Of Arras is an incredibly talented horse, and was last seen landing the G3 September Stakes at Kempton. Holds a very strong second behind subsequent G1 Juddmonte International winner Item from the G2 York Stakes. However, all of his best runs on the turf tend to come at York.
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Picks
With a couple of the leading contenders needing a run to improve their fitness, and questions revolving around the European raiders, it could be worth siding with the incredibly consistent Program Trading on Saturday. He has winning form at Belmont, and the Chad Brown runner has already landed the Monmouth Stakes and G2 United Nations in 2026. Lost little in defeat last time when narrowly beaten by Kathrynmarrisa in the G1 Christophe Clement.
Free Pick:
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