Horse Racing Picks: Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Oct 7)
- Action on the turf takes place at Aqueduct this weekend as the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic is the standout race
- War Like Goddess will be looking for a second straight win in the race
Huge Grade 1 action takes place at Aqueduct this weekend, as Belmont at the Big A continues. The standout race this weekend is the G1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, which will feature eight runners over a distance of a mile and a half. But, can War Like Goddess land a second straight win in the race?
Schedule and How To Watch
- When: Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 1:40 p.m. ET
- Where: Aqueduct, New York
- How To Watch: FanDuel TV
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Rebel’s Romance | +180 |
| War Like Goddess | +200 |
| Soldier Rising | +500 |
| Stone Age | +500 |
| Pioneering Spirit | +800 |
| Astronaut | +1000 |
| Grand Sonata | +3000 |
| So High | +5000 |
Latest odds taken from an offshore sportsbook
Race Preview
The G1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic will offer Breeders’ Cup clues this weekend, as the field will compete over a mile and a half at Aqueduct. War Like Goddess is a strong contender this weekend, as the mare landed victory in the Grade 1 for William Mott in 2022. The six-year-old isn’t getting any younger, but she produced a strong effort to take second in the G2 Glens Falls Stakes at Saratoga last month.
Charlie Appleby’s American raiders always deserve respect, but the form of the stable this year at the top level hasn’t been what it was 12 months ago. Rebel’s Romance remains a key contender, but a huge return to form will be needed from last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Hero, as he failed to finish the G2 Bowling Green Stakes at Saratoga on his most recent appearance.
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It could be worth looking away from the market leaders this weekend, and Pioneering Spirit is certainly an improving rival. After landing third on his first start in Grade 1 company in the G1 Sword Dancer, he finished clear of the field to score in the Bernard Baruch Stakes. However, he is winless from four starts at Aqueduct.
Solider Rising has been the nearly horse on so many opportunities for Christophe Clement, having finished second on three from four starts this season. His latest effort saw him finish as the runner-up in the G1 Sword Dancer. He will get his moment in the sun at some point, and his consistency at this level deserves respect.
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes Prediction
Soldier Rising is a runner that should be included in any exactas this weekend. However, we are prepared to take on the market leaders with Chad Brown’s Stone Age. His fifth in the G1 Sword Dancer was a solid return to action, and he has plenty of back class after finishing fifth in both the G1 Champion Stakes and G1 Irish Champion Stakes in Europe last term.
Free Pick:
