Mucho Macho Man seeking first Grade 1 win in Woodward

Mucho Macho Man’s last win came in the 2012 Suburban at Belmont (NYRA/Adam Coglianese Photography)

He has competed in all three legs of the Triple Crown, been
on the board in 17 of 21 career races, won three Grade 2 stakes and nearly $2.5
million in purses, but Mucho Macho Man has yet to earn his first Grade 1
victory.

Trainer Kathy Ritvo would like to see it happen on
Saturday, when the five-year-old son of Macho Uno returns to Saratoga Race Course
in the Grade 1, $750,000 Woodward.

Owned by Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Mucho Macho Man is
winless in three starts this year with two thirds, including the Whitney
Invitational Handicap on August 3.

“He ran a huge race in the Whitney off his time off and an
easy race back. This should be a good race for him,” Ritvo said. “I hope he
wins. He deserves to win a race like this.”

Third in the 2011 Kentucky Derby, Mucho Macho Man has
always impressed with his imposing size, standing more than 17 hands tall. He
closed his four-year-old season finishing second by a neck to To Honor and Serve in
last year’s Woodward, and second by a half-length to Fort Larned in the
Breeders’ Cup Classic.

“He’s definitely matured,” Ritvo remarked. “I think he’s stopped growing,
finally. He’s a big, strong horse. He’s huge. He’s tall, and now he’s filled
out. I think he’ll run a very good race. He’s always consistent. He’s doing
well, and we’re looking forward to running him. It should be a good race.”