The European rafters began their assault on New York’s rich turf program with two of the seven entries for the 2-mile Belmont Gold Cup Invitational (G2T) on June 10 coming from abroad. and, while both are unrecognizable to American fans, both deserve a closer look.
Small flat came with a record eight finishes out of 10 starts, including two wins. All his races are in Germany. Perhaps more important than form, however, are connections such as Adlerflug colt is the companion of the defending champion Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1), Torquator Tasso . And coach Marcel Weiss has appointed Torquator Tasso rider Rene Piechulek on the Loft.
In order to bargain, Adlerflug fell for Torquator Tasso and Adlerflug’s male, In the Wings won the Breeders ‘Cup Turf (G1T) 1990 – at Belmont Park.
Loft, get out Dubai mare Labrice, placed in a pair of Group 3 events to end his 2021 campaign and kick off his 4-year-old with a 2-mile win on fine grass at Hoppegarten.
The question is how Germany’s form will stack up against the Americans who stay. Weiss assistant Julia Romich told the Belmont Park public that the signs are positive.
“He has been perfect so far leading this race,” said Romich. “You never know until you try to transport a horse like this but we do know that we have good German horses running right now and he’s going to be in this bout with a good fight. won group 2 against them.
“He is currently in excellent condition and does not require any special distances or ground. He has been perfect so far leading this race.”
While Loft is raced relatively lightly, the other European in the field of Gold Cups, Outbox a 7 year old child Frankel gelding, starting his 27th for coach Archie Watson. Hollie Doyle brought the star presence from England as a mount.
Outbox has a lot of question marks. He won the HH the Emir Trophy, a local group 1 tournament, at Doha in Qatar in February and finished third behind Living Legend and Yibir winner of the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) in 2021, in his 2022 debut. But he made a side effort on his last outing.
Outbox also specializes in mid-distance races in Europe, mainly 1 and a half miles. His best efforts in a true stay came to the course at Kempton Park in all weather conditions.
“The Outbox is a very adaptable horse and we know it takes care of the commute,” says Doyle. “I hope he runs a big race in the Gold Cup. His previous run was disappointing but every horse has a right to throw in a bad one. His win in Qatar was outstanding. and if he can make another run like that, it would be great.”
With staying in grass-court races being a novelty in North America, it’s no surprise that European athletes have won the last four of the Gold Cups. And in this year’s extension, only one in six local contenders has ever tried the Gold Cup gap. Abaan a 5 year old child Fees will be charged gelding, won 2 miles H. Allen Jerkens Stakes at Gulfstream Parkleads from gate to wire.
Faced with stiffer competition at the Man o’ War Stakes (G1T) 1 3/8 mile at Belmont Park in his final start, Abaan withered in the late game as he finished fifth. , two positions behind the aforementioned Yibir. Coach Todd Pletcher has a positive view of that record.
“We look forward to bringing him back to the distance he’s proven to be,” said the coach.
Abaan can easily take the lead if driver Luis Saez gets him off to a good start. Outbox has a race-forward record, but everyone else prefers the wait-and-see strategy.
Item: Belmont S. Gold Cup (G2T)
Belmont ParkFriday, June 10, 2022, Race 8
- Level IIT
- 2 m
- Turf
- 400,000 dollars
- 4 years or more
- 4:42 pm (local)
