Woodford Reserve Turf Classic coming up strong

While the majority of attention at Churchill Downs is focusing on the Derby and Oaks, the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic also is shaping up similarly deep and competitive.

Stakes coordinator Dan Bork said a big field of older horses is likely for the $500,000 Woodford, a 1 1/8-mile turf race that directly precedes the Derby. Big Blue Kitten, the reigning Eclipse champion in the turf division, will make his first start of the year in a lineup that’s also expected to include Bolo, Chocolate Ride, Divisidero, Slumber, Tourist, and World Approval, among others. As many as 14 can start.

As for the two other Grade 1 races on Derby weekend, both for older fillies and mares, the $300,000 La Troienne (Friday) is expected to match Sheer Drama, Curalina, and Penwith, while the $300,000 Humana Distaff (Saturday) should have Taris and Wavell Avenue as the favorites.

Tepin, the standout turf mare, is nominated to the Woodford but is far more likely to run instead in the Grade 2 Distaff Turf Mile on Derby Day, said trainer Mark Casse.