
The Grade 1 $500,000 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic always offers a view at the top turf runners and this year is no exception. Horse of the Year Wise Dan and multiple grade one winner Point of Entry will vie in this 27th running of the event.
Wise Dan has won on turf, synthetic, and dirt. He’s strung together five straight wins (four of them grade ones, including the Breeders’ Cup Mile) since the Grade 2 Four Star Dave at Saratoga Aug. 11 and is the reigning Horse of the Year. He’s trained by Lexington-based trainer Charles LoPresti and has been installed as the slight favorite at odds of 6-5. Jose Lezcano will be in the irons.
Point of Entry, a son of Dynaformer, has finished first in six of his last eight races, including the Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap in his last start Feb. 9; that victory came 1 ¼ lengths in front of 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom. He’s trained by Hall of Fame trainer Claude “Shug” McGaughey, III. Point of Entry is the slight second choice in the field at odds of 7-5. Jockey John Velazquez has the mount.