2011 Woodward Stakes Field - Potential Entries

Written by Jake Thompson
Tuesday, 30 August 2011 17:41

Let’s take a look at the list of potential entries that appear likely to be amongst the 2011 Woodward Stakes field.

The 2011 Woodward Stakes is set to be run on September 3rd at Saratoga Race Course and we have gathered some information on the potential entries into Saturday’s field.  The Woodward Stakes is a 1 1/8-mile race on dirt and has had notable horses like Curlin (2008), Rachel Alexandra (2009), and Quality Road (2010) take home wins.  The 2011 Woodward Stakes has a 5:55 PM ET post time and there are 6 horses whose names keep coming up as potential entries into this year’s race.

Make sure to check back later in the week because we’ll have articles up on the 2011 Woodward Stakes odds, post positions, and horse racing picks.  In addition, please check out our online racebook comparison tool to find the perfect place to wager on horse racing.  Offering live action from tracks all over the world and bonus money on top of your deposit, there simply isn’t any reason to bet at the local track any longer.

2011 Woodward Stakes Field – Potential Entries:

Havre de Grace – This filly appears likely to take on the boys in the 2011 Woodward Stakes and she won’t be easy to beat if she joins the field.  Havre de Grace has never finished outside of the top 3 over 12 career races and would be considered truly elite if not for her adversary Blind Luck occasionally besting her.  This horse won’t have any problems with the distance is definitely one to watch.

Ice Box – The 2nd place finisher in the 2010 Kentucky Derby took some time off before coming back in a 3rd place run in an allowance at Saratoga in late July.  Now fully healthy, it is not wise to sleep on this horse and I’m hoping for long odds.  Ice Box’s 3rd place run last time out was one I’m tossing since the pace called for him to change his racing style, and the son of Pulpit should show improvement in the Woodward Stakes.

Convocation – Another one of the Woodward Stakes’ potential entries that was sired by Pulpit, Convocation ran 4th in this race last year.  Although this guy has been more of a stalker throughout his career, it will be interesting to see his racing style after looking strong on the lead last time out.  This will be his 6th race in 2011 so fatigue is something to keep an eye on as he works at Saratoga this week.

Giant Oak – The 3rd place finisher in the 2011 Whitney Handicap at Saratoga should be coming on strong at the end of the Woodward Stakes.  The pace looks like a potential problem for some of these horses, however, and Giant Oak might be another that has to adjust his style a bit if a true early speedster doesn’t join the Woodward Stake field.

Flat Out – The 2nd place finisher in the Whitney Handicap has raced at this distance the last 3 times out and produced 1 win (Suburban Handicap in a win over Convocation) from it.  This horse will stalk the pace and should start moving right around the time that Havre de Grace makes her push for the lead.

Mission Impazible – He’s winless in his last 3 starts but the potential flashed in the New Orleans Handicap and the Louisiana Derby means that you can’t count out Mission Impazible.  He’s another stalker/presser in a field full of them and it will be interesting to see what type of effort we get on Saturday.

Check back later in the week for the official Woodward Stakes entries as well as the other information we previously mentioned.  Although the lack of pace could make things a little crazy, we have a good read on how this race will go if the field stays as is.