Twin Creeks Racing Stables' graded stakes-winner Law Professor finished a game second to Breeders' Cup Classic-bound Life Is Good last out in the nine-furlong Grade 1, $500,000 Woodward on October 1 at the Belmont at the Big A fall meet at Aqueduct in South Ozone Park, N.Y.
Trained by Rob Atras, Law Professor settled in third position under Jose Ortiz in the Woodward as the Irad Ortiz, Jr.-piloted Life Is Good carved out three-quarters in 1:13.07 over the sloppy and sealed main track. Law Professor took aim at the leader with three-eighths to run and stayed on well to the wire to finish just 1 1/4-lengths back of the multiple Grade 1-winner.
“It was a short field and he really settled down and it looked like he had a big shot, but I don't know if he did or not,” Atras said. “When Irad got into him [Life Is Good] and asked him again, he obviously had more horse. I take nothing away from our horse's effort. I thought he ran good, but Life Is Good is still a great horse.”
Law Professor worked a half-mile in 50.56 seconds Oct. 16 over Big Sandy in his first breeze back and Atras said the 4-year-old Constitution gelding will now target the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Keeneland.
“Right now, we're pointing towards the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile,” Atras said. “He's a very versatile horse and he shows up every time. I don't blame them for wanting to take a shot. His numbers are good and he's doing really well right now.
“He bounced out of the race really good,” Atras added. “Ever since we got him back to running he's been very focused and very sharp in the mornings. He has a really good mind on him and it makes him very easy to train.”
Law Professor, who boasts two wins each on dirt and turf, captured the mile and 70-yard Tapit off a five-month layoff on Sept. 1 at Kentucky Downs while making his first appearance for Atras ahead of the Woodward.
He was initially campaigned by Michael McCarthy, taking the off-the-turf Grade 2 Mathis Mile in December at Santa Anita. He followed with a game runner-up effort to Express Train in the nine-furlong Grade 2 San Pasqual in February at Santa Anita before returning to turf with a fifth-place finish in the Grade 1 Frank E. Kilroe Mile at the same track.
Atras said he is hopeful that Law Professor can reach yet another level on dirt.
“He trains so good on the dirt and the owner believes the horse is just as good, if not better, on the dirt,” Atras said. “I was excited to hear that from him and I thought the same thing. I'm glad he ran so good the other day.”
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