Cape Blanco likely to return for Joe Hirsch Turf Classic
The Aidan O’Brien-trained CAPE BLANCO (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]), winner of the
Arlington Million (G1) and Man O’ War S. (G1) in his forays to the United States
this summer, is penciled in for another stateside visit for the October 1 Joe
Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) at Belmont Park.
Once under serious consideration for the October 22 Cox Plate (Aus-G1) at Moonee Valley,
Cape Blanco is now unlikely to try his luck Down Under.
“All the
quarantine issues involved in going to Australia haven’t been
resolved and, while nothing has been finalized, we are looking at
the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic as possibly Cape Blanco’s next race,” O’Brien told
the Racing Post.
Fellow Ballydoyle star SO YOU THINK (High Chaparral [Ire]), hero of the past
two runnings of the Cox Plate for former trainer Bart Cummings, has likewise
been virtually ruled out of a hat trick bid.
While confirming that no definite target has been set for So You Think following
his latest success in Saturday’s Irish Champion S. (Ire-G1), O’Brien was not
dismissing a tilt at the October 15 Queen
Elizabeth II S. (Eng-G1) and a clash with Frankel (Galileo [Ire]).
“So You Think seemed fine this morning, but we haven’t really
discussed where he might run next and that won’t be happening for
at least a few days,” O’Brien said.
“I’m sure the
owners will think seriously about the Arc now Pour Moi is out of
the equation. His retirement has opened that door and the Arc is now a
possibility.
“It’s also not beyond the bounds of possibility
that he could drop down to a mile in the Queen Elizabeth II S., while the
Champion S. (Eng-G1) is over a mile and a quarter, the trip he has done well
over all season.”
O’Brien also spoke of the Juddmonte
International (Eng-G1) third AWAIT THE DAWN (Giant’s Causeway).
“Await
the Dawn was very sick after the York race and we won’t be making
any plans for him until he resumes full work,” the horseman said.