Fourth in the 2010 Dubai World Cup, America’s top male turf horse of 2009 repeated his win in the Man O’ War Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park. Under Ramon Dominguez, the son of Tale of the Cat was last behind a dawdling pace turning for home in the 11-furlong event, but rallied under a strong hand ride to defeat pacesetting longshot Mission Approved by a neck. According to THIS article in the Daily Racing Form, Gio Ponti is under consideration for a return to either the Arlington Million (G1), or possibly a start in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar.
Godolphin’s Gayego, starting for the first time since an eighth-placing in the 2010 Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), was third in Hollywood Park’s Triple Bend Handicap (G1), toting highweight of 122 pounds. On the same card, Richard’s Kid, seventh in the 2010 Dubai World Cup, was third in his return to racing, beaten three lengths by Awesome Gem in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1).