Two American starters from the 2012 Dubai World Cup, neither of whom ran well on the day, solidified their places for America’s biggest weekend of racing when the Breeders’ Cup rolls into Santa Anita in November. Game On Dude toyed with his California rivals once again, easily taking the Awesome Again Stakes (G1 – formerly known as the Goodwood) in a stalk-and-pounce run. The rather slow Santa Anita dirt has been a veritable carousel for the first two days of the meet, with winners on the surface absolutely having to run on or near the lead. Richard’s Kid, the former Dubai stalwart, ran a good third closing from last, but was still beaten eight lengths.
In New York, 2011 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic winner Royal Delta, who suffered a halting trip in the 2012 Dubai World Cup, ran a monster race, winning the Beldame (G1) by more than nine lengths, in hand for most of the journey. Ridden by Mike Smith for trainer Bill Mott, Royal Delta engaged Godolphin’s It’s Tricky down the long Belmont backstretch and moved away from her with the greatest of ease. Purchased last November for $8.5 million after her Breeders’ Cup score, Royal Delta is aimed for a repeat engagement in the Ladies’ Classic, and Mott indicated the 2013 Dubai World Cup is back on the agenda.