Veteran turf campaigners highlight a competitive field for the 2015 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic. Several horses have taken “turns” this year. Big Blue Kitten comes in favored at the age of seven.
2015 Joe Hirsch Field
Red Rifle is the “now” horse. Back to Back wins in a G2 and G3 put him in G1 company last out in the Sword Dancer. He finished well to Flintshire. But will probably be over-bet based on the company line and not on what he has actually done in G1 races. Has the right running style. But still facing several others with proven class at this distance.
Perfect Title is a slow horse who should like the distance, has spent most of the summer in allowance and claiming races. Hard to imagine him finding the winners circle in this spot.
Big Blue Kitten hits hard with 13 wins in 28 starts. The Arlington Million wasn’t his day as the driving rain storm made the conditions a little rough for the veteran campaigner. Impressed with nice win in the United Nations handicap. In the Manhattan, Slumber got the first jump and he was up against the race flow by running wide. Should come running late and is capable of winning.
Twilight Eclipse is another who has endured the turf wars for 3 straight years. Lifetime record is consistent with 7 wins and 5 seconds in 27 starts. Ran a strong race in the United Nations and gutted out a win in the final strides in the Man O War. Ran some strong races last year that is capable of winning this race. Proven G1 performer gets a new jockey in Joel Rosario and should be closer to the pace in this race. This his odds will be higher than a few other contenders and offers a fair price in this spot and is can handle the class level and pace of the race.
Slumber did not like the rain storm at Arlington and needs to time his move perfectly in order to win a race like this. Expect a big improvement and probably the favorite, one of top 3 most likely to win.
Quiet Force moves up in class after running marathon distances at the smaller class levels. Likes to win with 6 for 14 lifetime win record. Does his best running from off the pace but can lay close to the pace, may want to be aggressively ridden in this spot to establish position.
Shining Copper enters as the lone speed and has held on well in the last 2 races. Faces proven Grade 1 horses at the 12 furlong distance. Class usually wins in G1 races, but less so on the turf. Takes them a long way but can’t imagine him wiring this field.
The Choice:
This is a wide open turf race that will be determined by pace and trip. The horses are pretty much equal on paper. Twilight Eclipse will be going up in odds and should sit a good trip. Look for the pounce and take the lead trip. Can he hold off the rush of Slumber and Big Blue Kitten.