2018 Woodward Stakes by the Numbers

August 29th, 2018 by Christina Moore

John Velazquez won his second of four Woodward Stakes in 2010 with Quality Road for trainer Todd Pletcher, who has three wins in the Woodward. (Eclipse Sportswire)

This weekend marks the finale of Saratoga’s summer meet, but that doesn’t mean the excitement is over. Saturday’s card features four graded stakes, highlighted by the historic Woodward Stakes for older horses.

Read on for the facts and figures on this year’s Woodward.

0 - The number of opponents Spectacular Bid faced in the 1980 Woodward. He won in a walkover after no other horses would face him.

1 1/8 miles - The distance of the race since 1990. It previously was run at distances ranging from one mile to 1 ½ miles.

2 - The number of Triple Crown wins by the Woodward’s namesake, William Woodward Sr. His Belair Stud campaigned both Gallant Fox and Omaha to Triple Crown wins.

Rachel Alexandra winning 2009 Woodward. (Eclipse Sportswire)

2 - Just two fillies have ever won the Woodward: Rachel Alexandra in 2009 and Havre de Grace in 2011.

3 - The Woodward has been contested at three different New York racetracks: Belmont Park, Aqueduct, and now Saratoga.

3 - The number of Triple Crown winners who ran in the Woodward. Seattle Slew (1978 Woodward) and Affirmed (1979) each won the race, but Secretariat was defeated by Prove Out in 1973.

3 - Woodward wins for trainer Todd Pletcher, who could make it four this year if Patch, Rally Cry, or Tapwrit wins.

6 - The record number of Woodward wins by a jockey. Hall of Fame jockeys Angel Cordero Jr. and Jerry Bailey are tied for the honor, though John Velazquez could come within one win of the record if he wins this year.

6 - The number of horses who have won the Woodward more than once, including Kelso, who won three straight (1961-’63) and Forego, who won four consecutive editions (1974-’77).

13 ½ lengths - Record margin of victory in the race when Bertrando won the 1993 edition.