September 6 - Going into Saturday's $750,000 Woodward Stakes (Gr 1) at Saratoga Racecourse in NY, Quality Road was the overwhelming favourite so it was no surprise when the Todd Pletcher colt romped home first by 4 1/2 lengths.

After Quality Road's run in the Woodward - which earned him a Beyer Speed Figure of 106 - Pletcher announced his plans to prep the nimble 4-year-old colt for the $5-m Breeders' Cup Classic (Gr 1) at Churchill Downs on November 6.

And in true Todd Pletcher style, the trainer said he will save Quality Road until the Classic. 'It seems like our horses tend to run their best races with a little bit of space in between,' said Pletcher, who is renowned for his extended lay-offs.

'I think there was a lot more in the tank [on Saturday], but based on the way he came back after the race he wasn't hardly even blowing,' continued Pletcher. 'However, I think he was prepared to run a whole lot faster had it been necessary.'

It's no secret that Quality Road has always run well after lengthy lay-offs. For instance, after a 128 lay-off last year, the colt won the 6 1/2 furlong $150,000 Amsterdam Stakes (Gr 2) and set a Saratoga track record of 1:13.74 in the process.

And in May this year, after a 114-day lay-off Quality Road won the $600,000 Metropolitan Handicap (Gr 1) in 1:33.11, the second fastest time in the race's history. Pletcher will be hoping he'll do the same in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

In the Woodward Stakes, Quality Road was ridden by John Velazquez. Mythical Power came second with Garrett Gomez aboard and Tranquil Manner came third with Alan Garcia aboard. 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird came last.

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2011/12/09 12:47:23 AM