George Krikorian’s Kentucky-bred War Like Goddess defeated males in a facile win in the $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) on Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Belmont at the Big A meeting in New York.

Ridden by Jose Lezcano, War Like Goddess broke well from the inside and tracked the early pace from third in the 1 ½-mile turf marathon. In the run down the backstretch, War Like Goddess inched closer to the front following three-quarters in 1:13.68 and a mile in 1:39.10. Around the far turn, War Like Goddess ranged up in the three-path with her bid and took command outside the furlong marker. She shook clear late and drew out to score by 2 ¾ lengths at the wire, completing the distance in 2:27.29.

“The filly is very easy to ride,” said Lezcano. “She broke very good, and I moved her up a little more than I wanted to, but she seemed a little quiet, so I moved her up a little more. I wanted position at the start of the race and the one [Bye Bye Melvin] and the four [Astronaut] went, so I sat right there.”

The win marked the seventh Graded stakes win for the 5-year-old daughter of English Channel. The victory also provided Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott with his fifth Joe Hirsch score. Mott said he was hopeful that Lezcano would have War Like Goddess in the clear to fire her best shot.

“I was hoping when he went down the backside and only had one turn left [that she would be outside],” Mott shared. “He tipped her out and from there, there shouldn’t be any excuse of getting in trouble. It looked like at the eighth pole she got to him [Bye Bye Melvin] and she wasn’t doing it on her own. He did tap her and then she went on. It looked he tapped her again and then the second time he tapped her, she really went.”

Mott indicated that since she proved she can compete with males, an engagement in the $4 million Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) on Nov. 5 is a possible target.

“I always thought she belonged,” he said. “There’s good horses and she could get outrun, but I think she deserves an opportunity, for sure. I don’t think we’re out of line whatsoever. We’re a long way from the winner’s circle, but I think she deserves her opportunity. She’s done nothing wrong.”

Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm, War Like Goddess is out of the North Light mare Misty North and was purchased for $30,000 at the 2019 OBS June Sale. She now boasts a record of 12-9-1-1 and has banked $1,612,184.