Dubai Race Night » Man O’War

Gio Ponti wins Man O’ War

PatCummings — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 01:48:55 +0000

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).

Dubai World Cup set as goal for Gio Ponti

PatCummings — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:46:34 +0000

The expected Eclipse Award winner for best US turfer of 2009, and recent second in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) behind Zenyatta, Gio Ponti is being pointed to the $10 million 2010 Dubai World Cup (G1). The report, made by Shane Ryan, president of Castleton Lyons, indicates the 5-year-old will remain in training and point for the world’s richest race. Gio Ponti won four consecutive Grade 1 stakes races on the turf this year, beginning with the Kilroe Mile at Santa Anita, followed by Belmont’s Manhattan and Man O’ War, then the Arlington Million. His lifetime earnings now exceed $3,000,000.

Click HERE for the full report.

It is also expected that the Henry Cecil trained Twice Over, third behind Zenyatta, will also make the trip as was reported several days earlier. A unique rematch is likely pitting the top two also-rans from a historic race. Watch the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic below.