Cape Blanco to bid for a third victory in as many starts in the United States as he prepares himself for the Joe Hirsch Memorial next month
The proposition of going for a hat-trick for Grade 1 wins in the United States looks highly likely for Aidan O’Brien, and it does not seem as if he would overlook the temptation for his talented 4-year-old chestnut colt, Cape Blanco, to go three up.
2 of 2 in as many starts on American soil will inspire Cape Blanco to extend his perfect record there when he contests in the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Memorial Turf Classic, over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs at Belmont Park on 2 October, 2011.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien confirmed on 3 September that the race is under serious consideration for the four-year-old.
With the massive earnings of £2,382,362, Cape Blanco has done well, both, domestically and internationally, in his 3-year racing career.
However, recently he’s had his leg over his American opponents, including the likes of six-year-old champion brown horse, Gio Ponti, trained by the king of Arlington Park, Christophe Clement.
The son of Galileo, Cape Blanco, has been commended time and again after his win at Arlington Park, especially to defeat conditioner Christophe Clement and Gio Ponti in their own domain.
The Irish invader claimed the Arlington Park’s million dollar pursed feature race by 2 ½ lengths over Gio Ponti on 13 August, 2011, when he represented Aidan O’Brien to win the Grade 1 Arlington Million over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs.
Cape Blanco has been triumphant in back to back races in the United States, and the reigning champion started his American expedition from Belmont Park on 9 July, 2011, in the Grade 1 Man O’War Stakes, over a distance of 1 mile and 3 furlongs.
Hence, the distance at Joe Hirsch Memorial Turf Classic wouldn’t be much of a challenge, as the race adds just a furlong more to the equation from the previous races.
In the Man O’War Stakes, Gio Ponti was the victim once again, as Cape Blanco romped past his opponents to win by a considerable margin of 2 ¼ lengths in a field of six horses at Belmont Park’s turf course.
Cape Blanco is also pointed to Australia’s Cox Plate, which is to be held on 22 October, 2011, but according to Aidan O’Brien, it is unlikely to take up that option.
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