Law Professor switches course to Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Law Professor was supposed to be using the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes on Oct. 1 as a stepping-stone to this Saturday’s Grade 2, $350,000 Fayette Stakes at Keeneland.
But after running a very good second to Life Is Good in the Woodward, the connections of Law Professor have opted to forgo the Fayette in lieu of the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile on Nov. 5 at Keeneland.
“The owners want to take a shot in the Dirt Mile,” said Rob Atras, who trains Law Professor for Twin Creeks Racing of Randy Gullatt and Steve Davison.
Law Professor, a son of Constitution, was beaten just 1 1/4 lengths by Life Is Good in the Woodward. Life Is Good is expected to be one of the top three choices in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic.
“I was proud of our horse’s performance to come that close to a horse like that,” Atras said. “On the turn, I thought he had a shot to actually win the race; obviously Life Is Good had something left. Still, to run that close to a horse like that is exciting.”
Law Professor has followed that performance up with a few good works, including a five-furlong move in 1:01.11 on Sunday at Belmont Park.
Atras said Law Professor would have his final work at Belmont over the weekend before shipping to Keeneland early next week.
Atras said he hopes to have Jose Ortiz to ride Law Professor in the Dirt Mile, but that is likely contingent on Jack Christopher running in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, not the Dirt Mile.
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