Yoshida goes from turf to dirt, wins Woodward Stakes

For the second straight week, Saratoga’s featured race was won by a horse making the switch from turf to dirt.

Following in the footsteps of Travers Stakes winner Catholic Boy was Yoshida, the Bill Mott-trained runner who overcame an inside post and plenty of dirt in his face to take the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes.

"He went well," Mott said. "This was a pretty impressive run, actually. I don't think you ever really know how they'll run on a surface until you try them."

The 4-year-old son of Heart's Cry, bred in Japan, stormed down the center of the track to complete 1 1/8 miles in a final time of 1:48.94 -- perhaps cementing himself as a Breeders' Cup Classic contender in the process.

Following in the running order was Gunnevera, who took second in a photo over Leofric. Stewards disallowed a claim of interference in the stretch by Gunnevera's trainer, Antonio Sano.

Rally Cry, who helped set the early fractions with Leofric, faded to fourth after a strong run from the outside post in a record Woodward field of 14.

Mott trains Yoshida for the familiar connections of Triple Crown winner Justify: WinStar Farm, China Horse Club and  SF Racing and Head of Plains Parnters. The Hall of Fame conditioner is known for this surface switch in big spots, including Good Samaritan in last summer's Grade 2 Jim Dandy at Saratoga.

Just last weekend, Mott mentioned the 4-year-old filly Elate could try the boys in the Nov. 3 Classic, citing her prowess at 1 1/4 miles. Now he has another to consider in Yoshida. While the Woodward is not a "Win and You're In" qualifier, it is known for producing Classic contenders, including the eventual winner Gun Runner in 2017.

"There's a lot of people involved to say where he might run next," Mott said. "He's a Grade 1 winner on the dirt and he's a Grade 1 winner on the turf. We'll definitely talk about our options, after seeing this, the Breeders' Cup Classic would have to be on the table you'd think. He's a Grade 1 winner going a mile and an eighth on the turf. We haven't won going a mile and quarter, but after today you'd have to start thinking of his options."

Yoshida had beaten just five horses up the back stretch Saturday but managed to save ground at the rail as Rally Cry and Leofric set fractions of 24 seconds for the opening quarter mile and 47.69 for the half.

Jockey Joel Rosario guided his mount outside as contenders spread across the track at the top of the lane and went on to win by two lengths.

"He went very nice," Rosario said. "I was just a passenger. He was taking very nice to the dirt, and he liked it early on. Turning for home, he was there for me, and he kept going. Like I said, I was just a passenger. All my thanks to Bill Mott, I'm glad I won the race for him, and that he gave me the opportunity. This is a nice horse."