Man O' War Stakes and Hollywood Gold Cup Recap
by Patricia Woo | Jul 12 2010
Two champions were vying for repeat wins in their respective races on Saturday, July 10. In the $600,000 Gr. 1 Man O' War Stakes at Belmont Park, Gio Ponti was looking to snap a four-race losing streak and defend his title, while at Hollywood Park, Rail Trip was seeking a third straight victory in the $500,000 Gr. 1 Hollywood Gold Cup.
Eight horses took to the track at Belmont Park to contest the Man O' War Stakes, a 1 3/8 mile race for 3-year-olds and up. The field included last year's winner Gio Ponti, who had been voted champion older male and champion male turf runner for 2009. But the Christophe Clement-trained 5-year-old has had a difficult first half of 2010. He had lost four straight going into the Man O' War Stakes, including a near miss in the $400,000 Gr. 1 Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap on June 5.
But even with a sluggish pace set by 53-1 longshot Mission Approved, with Jose Espinoza aboard, and trailing for the better part of the race, Gio Ponti was not to be denied. Trailing the leaders, which included Strike a Deal, Expansion and Interpataion, Ramon Dominguez kept the son of Tale of the Cat within striking distance and in good position. Then, the duo began to make a move along the outside of the pack during the far turn. Gio Ponti collared Expansion as the race moved into the deep stretch, and then Mission Approved in a thrilling finish, winning by a neck.
The winning time over a firm track was a pedestrian 2:16.20.
Following Expansion to the wire were Bearpath, Midnite Silver, Interpatation, Grand Couturier and Strike a Deal.
The Pacific Classic on Aug. 19 at Del Mar or the Arlington Million on Aug. 21 at Arlington Park will be Gio Ponti's next race.
Over at Hollywood Park, Rail Trip was attempting to win the Hollywood Gold Cup for an incredible third consecutive time. But the 5-year-old gelding, with Rafael Bejarano aboard, had a difficult start to the race. Caught four-wide and hampered by a slow pace, Rail Trip was forced to bide his time on the outside. Pacesetter Compari, with Mike Smith in the irons, set the early pace and was followed by Richard's Kid and Martin Garcia. Meanwhile, Awesome Gem, a 7-year-old gelding ridden by David Flores, enjoyed a ground-saving trip along the rail. When Rail Trip made his move just past mid-stretch and reeled in the leaders, Awesome Gem took advantage of his rival's taxing efforts and unleashed his own finishing kick. He defeated the tiring Rail Trip by a half-length in a time of 2:03.31.
Rounding out the order of finish: Richard's Kid, Tres Borrachos, Compari and Cigar Man.
A son of Awesome Again, Awesome Gem captured the first grade 1 victory of his career for owners West Point Thoroughbreds. Craig Dollase trains the venerable racehorse, whose record now improves to 12-8-3-1 and $1,067,790 in earnings.
Summer racing is well underway! Bet on horse racing at the Bodog Racebook!
