The 2015 Woodward stakes could be a potential replay of the Whitney Stakes. Liam’s Map enters as the speed with Wicked Strong seeking his first win of 2015.
Woodward Stakes Field
Wicked Strong had a very strong Whitney race that many are underestimating. Wicked Strong was one of the top 4 horses at the half mile pole and was still in the top 4 at the end. He was still showing punch down the lane when finally out-finished by Tonalist. Wicked Strong has turned in two impressive works in the last couple of weeks. Wednesday he showed more speed again with a 3F move in 36 and change. Tactical speed will be able to stalk Liam’s Map and make his move into the lane.
Liam’s Map ran demanding fractions in the Whitney on a surface that was not kind to frontrunners at Saratoga. This was after a sharp prep win after a planned long layoff geared for a fall campaign. Ten furlongs are still a big question mark, and ultimately his health as he has had issues in the past and is by notorious “Unbridled Song” who has a habit of having lightly raced and faced runners. Looms as the speed in this race and with 2 preps could fire a career top as the speed and that running style should have him in a top spot turning for home. Honor Code is a legit Grade 1 horse, if he enters the stretch with a 3 length lead this race is over.
Commanding Curve the Kentucky Derby runner-up from 2014 has not progressed since then. His Churchill Downs victory earlier this year was against a field that was much less quality than this field. Regressed in the mountains, but may have been “sick” that day. Can get the distance and not many other spots that he can run.
Bay of Plenty was bounced around in the Met Mile and had a very rough trip, making a mid race move after being jostled around. The fast pace caught up with him that day and was eased down the lane. Came back with a powerful front running score over a field at Saratoga. Some big wins this year and does his best running on the lead. He has the speed to press Liam’s Map. The flow of the race does not figure his style with pressers like Wicked Strong and closers like Mylute.
Mylute closed late in most recent race against Bay of Plenty. Proven closer can pick up the pieces of the pace is strong. Best chance is to hang within 5-6 lengths of the pace and try to out-finish Effinex and Protonico which is a tough challenge.
Coach Inge is another front-runner and presser type who is sharp and fresh with strong efforts all of 2015 for this son of Big Brown. Has the speed to lay close to the pace, prefers to run on the lead, but not sure he has the raw speed to run with Bay of Plenty and Liam’s Map on the engine. If he is able to rate the 9 furlongs could be a perfect trip.
Effinex – New York Bred who has improved in 2015. Defeated Tonalist in most recent outing. Defeated Wicked Strong earlier this year. Gets plenty of speed to run at in this race and expect him to run a nice race. Two wins in three starts in 2015 with a strange race in the Brooklyn in which he was rank and it was just not his day. Intriguing on the class rise and fits with these horses, just not sure he is fast enough.
Protonico is a hard-hitting presser who has been a solid G2 horse and fits with most G1 company. Stalker likes to press the
The Woodward 2015 Selection
Liam’s Map Whitney was one of the most powerful efforts of 2015. His raw speed that date and ability to run away on the turn was a combination of receiving weight in that race and he was the “New Shooter” several connections did not think that he was G1 quality. Now everyone knows what he can do and he will be hunted from the bell in this spot. Coach Inge is a presser and Bay of Plenty is also capable of showing speed. I think Liam’s Map wins the battle in this race and Wicked Strong is sitting on a big race he is 2nd most likely winner.