2011 Woodward Stakes: Picks on Winner & Trifecta

Written by Jake Thompson
Saturday, 03 September 2011 19:31

It’s time for horse racing picks on the winner and trifecta in the 2011 Woodward Stakes.

Saratoga Race Course will play host to the 2011 Woodward Stakes today, and our horse racing picks will help everyone figure out the winner and trifecta.  The Woodward Stakes is a 1 1/8-mile race on dirt and you can catch the horse racing action at a 5:45 PM ET post time.  Check out our online racebook comparison tool if you want to bet on the Woodward Stakes from the comfort of your home.

2011 Woodward Stakes – Post Positions, Horses, and Odds:

1 – Ice Box, 12-1

2 – Mission Impazible, 10-1

3 – Giant Oak, 8-1

4 – Rule, 5-1

5 – Convocation, 20-1

6 – Havre de Grace, 8-5

7 – Flat Out, 5-2

8 – Mambo Meister, 10-1

2011 Woodward Stakes – Horse Racing Tips:

There is no pace setter in this field and this style will hinder the deep closers in the Woodward Stakes.  Look for pressers like Havre de Grace and Flat Out to do well while closers like Giant Oak and Convocation struggle with the speed of the race.

It appears likely that Rule will be in the lead early since he’s the only horse that has shown any ability to set the pace.  Convocation beat out Ice Box in an allowance race last time out with both disregarding their normal styles to try for the lead, but ultimately I don’t think either horse will have success with that style in the Woodward Stakes.  The entries here are simply too strong to pull it off.

Mambo Meister makes for an interesting wager because of his extensive racing career in the wet weather of Florida.  Although the potential for a sloppy track was getting passed around earlier in the week, the weather at Saratoga should be just fine for the Woodward Stakes.  If it starts to rain before post time, keep an eye on this guy because he likes those conditions.

2011 Woodward Stakes – Picks on the Trifecta:

Flat Out

Havre de Grace

Rule

2011 Woodward Stakes – Picks on the Winner:

Havre de Grace

Without much of a pace, I think Havre de Grace will be able to edge out Flat Out.  Don't count out Rule as a spoiler but I'm just not sure he's capable of going wire to wire.  One of these closers could throw a big wrench into our Woodward Stakes picks by changing up their style to suit the race, but ultimately I don't see any horses that I deem capable of switching it up successfully.