Forte, the reigning champion of the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, is set to compete in the Jim Dandy at Saratoga on Saturday, aiming to regain his momentum. The highly anticipated Group 1 King George Stakes at Ascot in England also features two of the top 3-year-olds, including dual Derby winner August Rodin, who will be challenging older rivals. Additionally, there are other exciting races taking place in the US, including the Jim Dandy and a sprint race featuring the winner and runner-up from the Saudi Cup night dirt sprint. The winner of the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Turf will also be returning to US soil. However, it’s worth noting that weather conditions may affect these races, as extreme heat has already led to the cancellation of several races. Churchill Downs officials are also continuing their investigation into the horse deaths leading up to this year’s Kentucky Derby.
Forte, the clear leader in the 3-year-old division at the start of the year, has faced some challenges and has yet to prove his supremacy on the track. However, no other 3-year-old has emerged as a strong contender. In the upcoming Jim Dandy Stakes, Forte will face four rivals and will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities. The field is small but competitive, consisting of Disarm, who finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby, Hit Show, Angel of Empire, and Saudi Crown. Despite being the least experienced, Saudi Crown is currently the second-favorite after Forte. The outcome of this race will likely set the stage for the Grade I Travers, where the top 3-year-olds will meet again.
In the fillies’ division, Occult, Promiseher America, and Foggy Night are the standout contenders in the Monmouth Oaks. Occult, who finished third in the Grade I Acorn at Belmont Park, Promiseher America, winner of the Grade 3 Gazelle at Belmont, and Foggy Night, who recently won the Grade III Delaware Oaks, will face seven other fillies in this race.
The sprint races at Saratoga and Del Mar will be crucial in shaping the field for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint in November. Elite Power, the reigning Breeders’ Cup and Eclipse Award sprint champion, will headline the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga, facing Gunite and Dean Delivers. Meanwhile, the Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar will feature a competitive field with Dr. Schivel as the favorite.
In the Filly & Mare Sprint, Echo Zulu continues her dominant form with a victory in the Honorable Miss at Saratoga. Trained by Steve Asmussen, Echo Zulu is proving to be a formidable force in the division. The Grade I Ballerina Handicap is next on her agenda.
Defunded is the morning-line favorite in the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar. With a solid track record this year, including a second-place finish in the Grade I Pegasus World Cup, Defunded is positioning himself as a contender for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. The Seagram Cup at Woodbine will see Tyson as the standout competitor.
Lastly, the Birdstone Stakes at Saratoga showcased another impressive performance from Next, a reformed claimer who powered to victory by a staggering margin. Claimed for $62,000, Next has transformed into a stakes-winning horse.
Overall, these upcoming races promise to be exciting and will have a significant impact on the path to the Breeders’ Cup.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
