How to bet the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes

A classy field of seven will travel 1 1/2 miles over the Aqueduct outer lawn in Saturday’s $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic S. (G1). The superb #4 War Like Goddess has been a dominant winner of the contest in two straight seasons, and I fully expect the fantastic mare to make it three in succession over a course that she thrives on. 

Joe Hirsch Wagers

• $15 trifecta 4 with 7 with 5,6 ($30)
• $5 trifecta 4 with 5,6 with 7 ($10)
• $2 trifecta 4 with 7 with all ($10)

Trained by Bill Mott, the standout by English Channel has been performing with aplomb for multiple seasons and has won or placed in each of her trio of assignments in 2024, proving that she hasn’t regressed since turning seven. The bay Kentucky-bred kicked off her season with a big third in the New York S. (G1) at 1 3/16 miles, and following a nice tally at Delaware Park, the star finished a clear second in the Flower Bowl S. (G2) at Saratoga. 

War Like Goddess gets back to 12 panels for the first time this campaign and sports a fine 10-7-1-1 mark at the trip. She possesses a sustained and powerful turn of foot, and the mare lands in a group with plenty of early types in the mix that will aid her running style. With retirement likely in her near future, I’m embracing the chance to select her first for, perhaps, the last time in a race. Regular pilot Junior Alvarado will take the reins once again. 

For the exotics, I will key recent Sword Dancer (G1) victor #7 Far Bridge underneath my top pick. Trained by Christophe Clement, the English Channel colt has been a top-level performer for two years and I feel that he has found his niche at 1 1/2 miles. The bay colt toppled the superb Measured Time at the Spa in his latest venture and can’t be taken lightly despite enjoying a dream voyage on the front end in the Sword Dancer. He has posted two nice morning drills in preparation for Saturday and will be in range throughout with Joel Rosario taking the reins for a second consecutive time. 

I feel that #5 Truly Quality and #6 Silver Knott each has a solid chance to make the frame in the heat, and I will include both of the talented runners in the lower rungs of the vertical exotics.