Liam’s Map to come back in Woodward

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Having raced only twice this year and having come out of his hard effort in the Grade 1 Whitney Stakes in good shape, Liam’s Map will be pointed to the Grade 1, $600,000 Woodward Stakes here Sept. 5, trainer Todd Pletcher said Wednesday.

Liam’s Map set very fast fractions on the lead in the Whitney and had a 4 1/2-length lead with a furlong to go, only to be run down by Honor Code. Mike Smith was on Liam’s Map in the Whitney and said his horse tried to pull up when he hit him once with the whip. Smith will be replaced in the Woodward by Javier Castellano, who rode Honor Code in the Whitney. Castellano had ridden Liam’s Map to an allowance victory in June.

Pletcher called Liam’s Map “a fresh horse.”

“I feel like second time at a mile and an eighth he could move forward,” Pletcher said. “If you don’t go there, then the choices are to wait for the Kelso or wait for the Jockey Club [both Oct. 3]. We felt like he’s doing well, it’s a Grade 1 opportunity here, we’d point for that. As long as he continues to please us, that’s what we’re going to do.”

Pletcher could run as many as five horses in the Woodward. He said Coach Inge, Protonico, and Palace Malice are pointing to the Woodward. Mylute is possible.