The Nomination Is In: The John Henry Turf Championship G2 at Santa Anita

Mondego (GB) gobbling up lengths at the wire

Welcome Friends to The Turk Blog, where I specialize in exactly the kind of race I'm handicapping today, the Grade 2 John Henry Turf Championship at Santa Anita, competed by mostly hard knocking veterans of the scene.  This is the Turk's favorite time of the year as a horse player, getting ready for final prep races for Breeders' Cup over the next two weekends and then, what turns into a video review of the year in horse racing, my prep for Breeders' Cup, which will be extensive this year, as I'm finally able to have a bit of work-life balance again and feel calm enough to dedicate the time I use to for that homework assignment.  

I looked at the marathon distance Joe Hirsch Turf Classic G1 run at Belmont at Big A (Temu Belmont), and while the purse was bigger, the class of horse was greater (magnificent Redistricting, $14M Rebel's Romance and Far Bridge), I'm going to just enjoy that one from a fans perspective as the field is a bit small.  

Let's get right into it!

 2 Wins.

23 Starts.

The number of winners at the distance and the combined starts at the distance.  The field is a mixed bag with the real class and proven graded stakes competitors Stay Hot and Gold Phoenix (Ire).  

30 August 2025; The Del Mar Handicap G2; 1 3/8 Miles on firm turf.  Gold Phoenix won his fourth straight and The Turk blogged it here.  

The two prime win candidates will be challenged by some unheralded horses that are trying to break into contender territory from mediocre.  

Rastaman Vibe:  cutting back 1f off his very game OC$50K win at Del Mar 20 days ago. Trainer Knapp claimed him on that day and entered the 4 YO here.  13 SA Turf Starts, no exacta finishes. Woof.  

Mondego (GB):  Why do we watch video?  Watch the Del Mar Handicap above and watch Mondego (GB) at the top of the stretch go wide outside and watch his closing kicks: powerful, long strides.  Less traffic, slightly less early speed pressure, you can't watch him and not think he's very dangerous, especially Conditioner McCarthy and Kimura, Up, get him into the right place.  

Exacta History: Life, Turf, Distance, Track

Tomlinson Analysis

Exacta Comparison/Class

Timeform Early and Late US Pace

What do we do with all of this? Santa Anita Race 6: The John Henry Turf Championshi>p G2; 1 1/4 Miles on Firm Turf I'm not sure I'm an investor in this one, but if I do, I'm looking for pure value: $2 Exacta, 5 OVER 1-6-7 for $6 Bucks. Have fun friends, Turk Out!