Moreno Looks Like the One to Catch in Grade I Woodward

Moreno (2/1) surprised many by wiring the field last out in the Grade I Whitney August 2 which included the heavily favored Palace Malice.  The four year-old Moreno, trained by Eric Guillot, has shown an affinity for the Saratoga dirt narrowly missing a grade one victory in the Travers Stakes last year.  In the week leading up to the Woodward, the outspoken Guillot has spoken clearly about Moreno’s intention to be on the lead again in the Woodward.

Itsmyluckyday takes another shot and adds blinkers

Itsmyluckyday (5/2 ML) chased Moreno last out in the Whitney and actually looked as if he might pass the winner at one point in the stretch before settling for second.  The Edward Plesa trainee will add blinkers for this start and could engage Moreno much sooner in this time around.  Plesa connects at 17% with starters wearing blinkers for the first time.  Both Itsmyluckyday and Moreno recorded career-best Beyer figures last time out at 107 and 109 respectively. 

Zivo should be picking up the pieces late 

The rest of the field will have running to do, but Zivo (5/1) beat Moreno in his last start – the Grade II Suburban July 5 at Belmont Park.  Zivo, a true closer, will benefit if things heat up on the front end between Moreno and Itsmyluckyday.  Micromanage (8/1) could find himself in a good stalking position for trainer Todd Pletcher.