George Krikorian’s Kentucky-bred War Like Goddess collared runaway pacesetter So High in the stretch and went on to defeat males for the second consecutive year in the $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) on Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Belmont at the Big A meet.
War Like Goddess raced in sixth early in the 1 ½-mile turf test. After saving ground unhurried, War Like Goddess was coaxed into action near the quarter-pole. She swung five wide into the upper stretch, got first run on the leader, and seized command near the sixteenth marker. She edged clear late to score impressively by 4 ½ lengths.
The win, the third in a Grade 1 for War Like Goddess, improved her record to 17-11-4-2 for trainer Bill Mott. She has now earned $2,495,184, and she is likely going to target the Breeders’ Cup next month.
“If she runs, she’ll run against the boys,” related Mott. “I won’t run her a mile and a quarter (the distance of the Filly and Mare Turf). She’s a mile-and-a-half filly.”
The Joe Hirsch Turf Classic was delayed a week due to inclement weather. Mott indicated that the race’s timing should still suit War Like Goddess in her preparations for the Breeders’ Cup.
“It rushes us a little bit,” Mott shared. “It puts us a little closer, but we still have four weeks.”
Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm, War Like Goddess is by English Channel and is produced from the North Light (IRE) mare Misty North.