Joe Hirsch was more than an outstanding writer for the Daily Racing Form. He was an ambassador for the sport whose influence extended to Europe, and he loved international racing. Appropriately, in 2004, about four years before he died, the Turf Classic (G1) was renamed in his honor.
Since its inception in 1977, the race has brought together the best grass horses from North America and Europe. Among its world-class winners were Waya (1979), Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) heroine and 1983 Horse of the Year All Along, and the immortal gelding John Henry.
On Saturday, Belmont Park will host the 50th running of the $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, a 1½-mile test of stamina. Last year’s winner, Rebel’s Romance, is a two-time winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1). Main Sequence (2014) and English Channel (2007) also swept both stakes.
Unfortunately, this year’s field of seven lacks a standout, but it’s a challenging handicapping puzzle that should pay well if you can figure it out. There are four horses who haven’t won at 1½ miles. There’s one making his first start in the United States, one who hasn’t raced since March, and another who’s been off since February. Complicating matters is the forecast for heavy rain that will soften the ground.
For those who like to bet on horse racing, here’s a horse-by-horse analysis from the rail out, with trainer, jockey, and odds in parentheses.
Post time is 5:19 p.m. ET.
| PP | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minaret Station (KY) | J L Ortiz | W Walden | 7/2 |
| 2 | Pride of Arras (IRE) | J Doyle | R Beckett | 4/1 |
| 3 | El Cordobes (IRE) | F Prat | C Appleby | 5/2 |
| 4 | Far Bridge (KY) | J R Velazquez | M Clement | 5/1 |
| 5 | Asbury Park (GB) | M Franco | C C Brown | 15/1 |
| 6 | Fort George (GB) | K Shoemark | E Walker | 9/2 |
| 7 | Program Trading (GB) | R Santana, Jr. | C C Brown | 5/1 |
Last Updated on 09/25/2026
Just missed in his last two – third by half a length in a Grade 2 (1 3/8 miles), second by three-quarters of a length in Grade 1 Christophe Clement. Negatives: Lost four in a row and winless past 1 1/16 miles.
Shipper from sharp English trainer is in sharp form. Prepped for this with a 1½-mile win over synthetic after a solid second against excellent 3-year-old Item in Group 2. Won a 12-furlong Group 2 at York last year.
“He particularly likes going left on a flat track, so Belmont should suit him really well,” Beckett said. “I always try to take horses I think will [do their best] in America, and I think that’s definitely the case with him.”
Loves the distance: three wins at 1½ miles and third last year in the Turf Classic and Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1). Negative: Seven-month layoff off fifth-place dud in only race this year.
Clement expressed concern about the 6-year-old’s six-month layoff but likes how he’s training. “The question is, is he 100-percent ready to run his ‘A’ race?” he said. “I’m not entirely sure, but he’s top class and giving us every indication he’s back to his best.”
Far Bridge won off breaks of six and four months. His 4-for-7 record at the distance is a major plus, but will he be rusty?
The weaker of Brown’s entries seems to be in over his head. Won a Grade 2 going 1 3/8 miles last fall, but the runner-up is 2-for-15. Doesn’t class up with these.
Ran third and second in only U.S. starts this summer, and figures were solid. Consistent (10-for-11 in the money on turf); second this winter to Rebel’s Romance going 1½ miles. Fits with these, and maybe it’s his turn to win a big one.
He’s 7-for-16 overall but lost his last six Grade 1 races. Ran well for close-up third last time in Grade 1, but the 6-year-old hasn’t beaten a top-class field since Derby Day 2024.
Ed McNamara is an award-winning racing writer who has covered the sport since 1981 for The Bergen (N.J.) Record, Newsday, ESPN, Thorocap, and USRacing. He is the author of Cajun Racing: From the Bush Tracks to the Triple Crown and Racing Around the World, and a contributor to The Most Glorious Crown and The Racetracks of America. He has also written for racing publications in France and Italy.
