Belmont Park Breeders’ Cup Preview Day Analysis
October 1st, 2011By Jude T. Feld
Moses says, “Uncle Mo is my number one single at Belmont this afternoon.”5th Race – Flower Bowl Invitational (G1)
STACELITA won the Beverly D. (G1) at Arlington Park with aplomb. She has continued to train very well since. This race is no walkover, but she is definitely the filly to beat. DELUXE ran a bang-up second in her American debut at Saratoga after a wide trip. The daughter of Storm Cat should improve with that race under her belt and looks like the most likely upsetter in this group of talented gals. ARUNA is a top-quality filly. She gets a pivotal jockey switch to Hall of Famer Edgar Prado and that could make a huge difference with her. EMERALD BEECH has won four straight for Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard and could take it all if she moves forward once again.
6th Race – Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational
WINCHESTER has really turned it around at ages five and six. With only two races this year, he is coming up to the Breeders’ Cup in fine fashion. Another solid performance can be expected Saturday afternoon. CAPE BLANCO has taken the U.S. by storm. With back-to-back Grade 1 victories in two starts over champion Gio Ponti, he looms the heavy favorite and the colt to beat.
7th Race – Vosburgh Invitational (G1)
TRAPPE SHOT has always given me the impression that he is a top sprinter. Six furlongs is not is best distance (seven furlongs is) but he is learning to get into the race a little quicker. He loves an off track too. GIANT RYAN was ultra game in the Summit of Speed Smile Sprint Handicap (G2). He cannot be ignored. Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert saddles EUROEARS. The Bing Crosby (G1) is an international sprinter of note and it would not be shocking to see him posing for pictures.
8th Race – Kelso Handicap (G2)
UNCLE MO came back in fine fettle, nearly winning the King’s Bishop (G1) in a huge effort. He has been working lights out since that race and should be firing on all cylinders here. JACKSON BEND has turned into a one-turn monster. He will be Mo’s biggest foe.
9th Race) Beldame Invitational (G1)
HAVRE DE GRACE has had a sparkling 2011. She only has one filly to beat here and that is ROYAL DELTA, who is a year younger and not as fast yet. The mares are all overmatched.
10th Race – Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1)
FLAT OUT was beaten by Havre de Grace and Tizway in his last two starts. They are the leaders in their respective divisions. STAY THIRSTY beat Rattlesnake Bridge and Moonshine Mullins who both tanked in their next starts. The rest of the field is suspect at best, although A.U. MINER is reportedly training well for this race. I’ll take FLAT OUT, who won the Suburban (G2) over the track earlier this summer.
