The Jack Christopher Comeback Tour Continues: A Look at the Grade 1 Woody Stephens
The Grade 1 Woody Stephens is the next exciting stop on the Jack Christopher Comeback Tour, as the talented colt makes his way to the Triple Crown undercard race. This seven-furlong race will be one of the eight Grade 1s featured on Saturday’s Belmont Stakes undercard. It should not be confused with the Grade 2 Pat Day Mile, which took place on the Kentucky Derby undercard five weeks ago.
Jack Christopher’s Triumph in the Pat Day Mile
In his comeback race after a six-month hiatus due to a stress fracture in his left shin, Jack Christopher showcased his exceptional talent by winning the Pat Day Mile by nearly four lengths. This impressive victory marked a successful return to racing and solidified his position as a top contender in the upcoming Woody Stephens.
Due to his injury and subsequent recovery, Jack Christopher didn’t participate in the Kentucky Derby in May nor will he be running in the grueling 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes. Instead, trainer Chad Brown made the decision to enter him in the Woody Stephens, opting for a reduced distance.
The Choice to Cut Back Distance
Brown initially had plans to race Jack Christopher in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, where he would have been the favorite. However, due to the stress fracture, Jack Christopher was scratched just a week before the prestigious event. Despite his prior intentions, Brown adjusted his approach to give his talented colt a chance to excel.
“He’s a tough-minded horse and a smart horse. He takes his races and works very well,” said Brown in an interview with the New York Racing Association. Although he wasn’t initially looking to cut Jack Christopher back in distance, the Woody Stephens provided the perfect opportunity to showcase his talent as a miler.
Jack Christopher’s Dominance at Various Distances
Jack Christopher has already proven himself at different distances throughout his young career. In his debut race at Saratoga last August, he dominated over six furlongs, winning by an impressive 8 3/4 lengths. He then progressed to the one-mile Grade 1 Champagne Stakes, where he claimed victory by 2 3/4 lengths. Combining his triumphs, Jack Christopher remains undefeated, leaving a trail of defeated opponents behind, amounting to an astounding total winning margin of 15 1/4 lengths.
The History of Upsets in the Woody Stephens
The Woody Stephens, named after the legendary Hall of Fame trainer who triumphed in five consecutive Belmont Stakes from 1982 to 1986, has been known to produce surprising outcomes. Upsets can occur, even for the favored contenders. Last year, 15/2 longshot Drain the Clock defied the odds and held off even-money favorite Jackie’s Warrior. This unexpected result marked one of only two defeats Jackie’s Warrior suffered that year, as he went on to be crowned the Champion Male Sprinter.
In 2019, another year of surprises, 19/1 Hog Creek Hustle triumphed over 17.20/1 Nitrous and 15.50/1 Borracho. Those who held the winning trifecta combination were handsomely rewarded, with a $1 ticket cashing in at $3,140.50.
A Look at the Contenders: Grade 1 Woody Stephens/Belmont Park Morning Line Odds
- Jack Christopher: 1/2 (Jose Ortiz/Chad Brown)
- Pappacap: 10/1 (Flavien Prat/Mark Casse)
- Wit: 7/2 (Irad Ortiz Jr./Todd Pletcher)
- Morello: 9/2 (Joel Rosario/Steve Asmussen)
- Chasing Time: 20/1 (Tyler Gaffalione/Steve Asmussen)
- Provacateur: 10/1 (Luis Saez/Todd Pletcher)
This year’s field offers several potential upset candidates, with Todd Pletcher’s Wit being a notable contender. Wit finished third in the Champagne Stakes after winning two graded stakes in New York, both of which were Grade 3 races. Pletcher expressed the importance of a good start for Wit, aiming to avoid any compromises to his chances, as happened in previous races. While acknowledging Jack Christopher’s prowess at any distance, Pletcher remains confident in his own horse’s abilities.
Other notable contenders include Pappacap, who was once a Derby points leader, and the Steve Asmussen duo consisting of Morello, the Grade 3 Gotham winner, and Chasing Time, the Oaklawn allowance winner.
Conclusion
The Grade 1 Woody Stephens promises to be an exciting and unpredictable race, with Jack Christopher aiming to continue his winning streak and cement his position as one of the most promising horses of his generation. While obstacles and surprises may lie ahead, the thoroughbreds competing in this prestigious race will showcase their speed, skill, and determination on the iconic Belmont Park racetrack.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Woody Stephens
1. What is the history behind the Woody Stephens?
The Woody Stephens is named after the Hall of Fame trainer who won five consecutive Belmont Stakes from 1982 to 1986. It is a Grade 1 race that takes place on the Belmont Stakes undercard.
2. Why is Jack Christopher running in the Woody Stephens instead of the Belmont Stakes?
Jack Christopher suffered a stress fracture in his left shin, which led to his absence from the Kentucky Derby and his decision to compete in the Woody Stephens. The reduced distance of this race suits his current recovery and performance level.
3. Who are the top contenders in this year’s Woody Stephens?
Aside from Jack Christopher, notable contenders include Wit, Pappacap, Morello, Chasing Time, and Provacateur. Each horse brings its own strengths and potential for an upset.
4. Has the Woody Stephens produced any surprise winners in the past?
Yes, the Woody Stephens has been known for producing upsets. In recent years, longshots like Drain the Clock and Hog Creek Hustle have emerged victorious, defying the odds and defeating favored contenders.
5. What are the key factors to watch for during the race?
The start and initial positioning of each horse are crucial. A good break and a favorable early position can greatly impact a horse’s chances of success. Additionally, the ability to maintain speed and stamina over the seven-furlong distance will play a significant role in determining the outcome of the race.
