Saint Liam wins Woodward Stakes

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Elmont, NY (Sports Network) - Saint Liam posted a two-length win over

Sir Shackleton in Saturday's Grade 1 $500,000 Woodward Stakes at Belmont Park.

Saint Liam, who needed to beat only four horses, covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49:07.

The race originally had six horses entered, but Shaniko was scratched.

Trained by Richard Dutrow Jr. and ridden by Jerry Bailey, Saint Liam pocketed

 $300,000 and will likely be one of the favorites at the upcoming Breeders' Cup Classic.

The five-horse race was a battle between two trainers, Dutrow and Nick Zito, and

three of them were sent out by Dutrow.

Show Boot and Crafty Player, both trained by Dutrow, got out to an early lead with

Zito's Commentator just behind. Saint Liam and Sir Shackleton stayed off the lead

for much of the race, but down the stretch Saint Liam flew by the tired pack to notch

 the victory.

Sir Shackleton made a late move to get second, while Commentator took third.

Show Boot and Crafty Player, the two early leaders, finished fourth and fifth,

respectively.

Saint Liam returned $2.80 to win.