Hard Love chases after first stakes score in $100K Woodhaven
At 0h05, on April 16, 2021 • By AQUEDUCT
The Woodhaven Stakes, a 1 1/16-mile test on the inner turf course is one of two stakes on the nine-race program Saturday at Aqueduct, which also includes the $200,000 New York Stallion Stakes Series Times Square for sophomores going 6 1/2 furlongs over the main track.
Trained by Jonathan Thomas, Hard Love ran second in the Central Park on November 28 at Aqueduct, where he displayed stalking tactics behind a leisurely pace and maintained second position throughout to finish 1 3/4 lengths back to Never Surprised at the Woodhaven distance.
The son of Kitten’s Joy displayed a similar running style when victorious on debut at 11-1 odds at Belmont Park on October 10. He stalked a moderate pace, established command in the upper stretch and battled with runner-up Big Everest to a two-length win.
Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano will pilot Hard Love from the inside post.
