Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Sep 27)

A stacked afternoon of racing is set for Aqueduct on Saturday, September 27, with the card headlined by the G1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic. You can find our picks for the feature, as well as the undercard races here.

Odds

Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Recent Winners

Joe Hirsch Turf Classic: Event Information

Race Preview

A crucial race on the road to the Breeders’ Cup is set for Aqueduct this weekend, as the G1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic will be staged over a mile and a half. The race will serve as an important prep ahead of the Breeders’ Cup Turf, with Charlie Appleby sending over two of his main contenders to New York this weekend.

Rebel’s Romance is one of the best turf horses on the planet, and he has thrived when given international missions. That was evident last time out after winning in Group One company in Germany. Despite being seven, his form has been maintained throughout this season, winning both the G2 Yorkshire Cup and G2 Hardwicke Stakes.

However, there will be a serious U.S. challenge this weekend, beginning with Bank Frenzy for trainer Rudy Rodriguez. The five-year-old looks tailormade for this step up in distance, and was an impressive winner of the Haynesfield Stakes at Aqueduct earlier this season.

It could be argued that Le Gris is the most impressive contender in this field for trainer Albert Stall. However, he is unproven in stakes company, let alone at Grade One level. Chad Brown’s Redistricting and reigning champion Far Bridge also deserve respect.  

Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Picks

I have already put money down on El Cordobes for the Breeders’ Cup Turf later this year, and his status in that market could be enhanced on Saturday. The Appleby runner has already won on U.S. soil this year after landing the G1 Sword Dancer at Saratoga last month. At four, he is still improving, and this weekend’s quicker ground is likely to suit him down to the ground.

Other Aqueduct Picks for Sep 27