Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Race Previews: Belmont Park October 1

Belmont Race #6: Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (2:26 PM CST)

Win and You’re In for the Breeders’ Cup Turf

Top Pick: #4 Flintshire

Others to Use in Multi Race Wagers: NONE

Analysis: A field of just FOUR line up for this years Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, however there is a good reason why everyone stayed away.  The monster named Flintshire is back for his final Breeders’ Cup Turf prep race, and has been nothing short of untouchable in his United States races this year.  With his normal effort it will be hard pressed for anyone in this field to match up with him as they just don’t match up with him at all.

Money Multiplier will be the main challenger as he has at least been within the realm of Flintshire before as he finished second to him last time out in the Grade 1 Sword Dancer at Saratoga.  That race was his career best effort, and today he does look to have a pace advantage over Flintshire.  However, will that be enough to pull off the big upset?  Probably not, but it at least could make things interesting.

Rounding out this small field are Ectot and Twilight Eclipse.  Twilight Eclipse has been no match for Flintshire in their two matchups this year, however this veteran does have a decent amount of back class.  He hasn’t been embarrassed by Flintshire in either race, but he has been “all out” while Flinshire has just been in a gallop.  The Todd Pletcher trained Ectot rounds out the field, and looks to be overmatched in this group.

Belmont Race #9: Vosburgh Stakes Stakes (4:11 PM CST)

Win and You’re In for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint

Top Pick: #5 A. P. Indian

Others to Use in Multi Race Wagers: #6 X Y Jet

Analysis: The red hot A. P. Indian, winner of four in row, returns to Belmont Park which was the location of his first graded stakes win.  Only a select few horses right now are running as well as A. P. Indian, and with another win on Saturday he could become the number one sprinter in the country.  His last two races upstate at Saratoga were about as dominating as it gets, and many of those same faces he’s already defeated are back for this race.

However, one new face is the sensational X Y Jet.  This horse hasn’t been seen since just narrowly losing the Dubai Golden Shaheen on Dubai World Cup night.  Before leaving for Dubai X Y Jet reeled off five straight victories, including the Grade 3 Gulfstream Sprint.  He’s the “X Factor” in the race since we haven’t seen him since March, but he seems to be working very well leading up to this race.  Look for him to fly out of the gate and take them as far as he can.

Three graded stakes winners in Joking, Green Gratto, and Holy Boss will be the main challengers for the top two selections.  Last time out Joking won the Grade 1 True North at Belmont Park which also featured Holy Boss who finished third.  Holy Boss then went on to finish second to A. P. Indian in the Vanderbilt which shows that the True North could be a very productive race.  Green Gratto was a graded stakes winner back in 2015, but we haven’t seen his best form lately.  Rounding out the field are Weekend Hideaway, Stalkwalkin‘, and Dannie’s Deciever.  All three have had their moments, but overall could be outclassed against this top class group.