War Like Goddess Retains Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Crown

In an oddly-run race that saw 90-1 shot So High  open up an enormous lead for the majority of the 1 1/2-mile turf race, reigning Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1T) titleholder War Like Goddess  stormed past the freewheeling pacesetter in mid-stretch for a commanding score Oct. 7 at Aqueduct Racetrack.

The $300,000 Turf Classic, held over a yielding turf course at Belmont at the Big A, was her first grade 1 win of the season and her third overall. Racing for the colors of George Krikorian, the Bill Mott trainee stopped the timer in 2:32.86 under Junior Alvarado.

Soldier Rising  nipped the front-running So High for runner-up honors.

War Like Goddess ($9.60) is a 6-year-old daughter of English Channel bred by Calumet Farm.

This story will be updated.