Horse Racing Odds: Woodford Stakes Top Contenders

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Horse Racing Odds

Woodford Stakes 2024: Horse Racing Odds and Top Contenders

Horse racing fans are in for an exciting day of action as the Woodford Stakes (G2T) unfolds at Keeneland on Oct. 5. 

The highly anticipated turf sprint features a competitive field, but one horse, Arzak, has the edge. Trained by Michael Trombetta, Arzak has established himself as the “horse for the course” at Keeneland, boasting an impressive 2-for-2 record on the turf.

The 6-year-old gelding’s wins include the 2023 Woodford Stakes and the Shakertown Stakes (G2T), both at the same 5 1/2 furlongs distance. 

Following his Woodford victory, Arzak put up an intense fight in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1T), finishing sixth, only two lengths behind the winner. His remarkable track record overshadows the rest of the field, which has collectively managed only three wins out of 25 tries on the Keeneland turf.

Offtrack betting enthusiasts should keep an eye on Arzak,  as this Saratoga betting veteran form makes him a leading contender. While his third-place finish in the recent Harvey Pack Stakes at Saratoga Race Course might seem less dominant, he was bested by only Big Invasion and Our Shot. Notably, Our Shot is part of the Woodford lineup.

Rivelli’s Entries Aim for a Comeback

Half of the 12 entrants are coming off Turf Sprint (G2T) performances at Kentucky Downs. However, none made a significant mark there. 

Axthelm finished third, Nobals fourth, and Charcoal, One Timer, Gear Jockey, and Coppola completed the field without noteworthy results. Their recent performances raise questions about their ability to challenge Arzak on the Keeneland turf.

Larry Rivelli, a seasoned trainer, brings Nobals and One Timer into the Woodford, hoping to break their streak of underwhelming finishes. Nobals, the reigning Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint champion, has struggled recently, including his fourth-place finish at Kentucky Downs.

Despite finishing second in last year’s Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint, One Timer faces an uphill battle after a series of second-place finishes in his Woodford prep races.

Promising Challengers Look to Upset

As for the horse racing odds, Arzak’s proven performance at Keeneland will likely position him as a favorite. Meanwhile, Wesley Ward’s No Nay Hudson entry has shown promise after a solid comeback following a 10-month layoff, finishing third in the Green Flash Handicap (G3T) at Del Mar. Rusty Arnold’s Gear Jockey, a past winner of the Turf Sprint, will also be one to watch despite a disappointing Breeders’ Cup performance.

Several horses have trained outside Kentucky, including Rivelli’s pair stationed at Hawthorne Race Course and Arzak, who hails from the East Coast. Charcoal has made his way from Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Xy Speed adds further intrigue, arriving after a fourth-place finish in the Select Stakes at Monmouth Park.