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The Woodward Stakes: Frosted Getting Better with Age
The glaring 1-2 odds on Frosted in the G1 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga is a reminder of just how dominate he’s been this year.
After a disappointing finish in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic behind American Pharoah, he traveled to the UAE to start the 2016 season with a win at Meydan in a G2 prep for the the Dubai World Cup.
But in the Cup he failed to fire the same way, finishing fifth behind California Chrome who has been on a tear.
Since returning from Dubai in March, he was “geared down” winning the 1 mile G1 Metropolitan by 14 at Belmont in June.
And returned to take the G1 Whitney here a few weeks ago at odds-on.
But past performances aren’t always indicative of future results when racing at Saratoga — especially if you’re the favorite.
In recent weeks, as in any other season at Saratoga, we’ve seen a string of long-shot winners defeat the post time choice in the weekend’s big feature races. And afford the opportunity for handicappers to make a nice score by betting against the favorite because graded stakes races like the Woodard are oftentimes more competitive than not.
Like Laoban’s gate to wire victory in the G2 Jim Dandy back in July as a maiden against winners — and the longest shot on the board at 27-1.
Or Arrogate’s impressive performance in last weekend’s G1 Travers when beating Exaggerator on the lead from the start in track record time.
So, there’s something to be said for betting against the short money at Saratoga — often called “the graveyard of favorites”.
And for trainers like Dallas Stewart to take a shot with a runner like Tale of Verve who could do very well from off the pace in the Woodward.
DRF Free Past Performances for the Woodward
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