Point Of Entry bags the Man O' War Stakes at Belmont Park in a fabulous fashion
Claude McGaughey did not saddle a winner in the Arlington Oaks but, the renowned trainer saddled a winner in the Grade 1, $600,000 Man O' War Stakes at Belmont Park on 14th July, 2012, with Point Of Entry.
It was predicted from the beginning that, the Aidan O’Brien trained, Treasure Beach and Point Of Entry would fight to dominate but it was Point Of Entry, who notched the victory and went home with $360,000 and new-found glory.
Paired with rider Jose Lezcano, the son of Dynaformer completed the 1 3/8 mile race in 2 minutes and 13.87 seconds, as he defeated Center Divider by 3 ½ lengths, whereas the third place was secured by the Brazilian bred, Tahoe Lake.
Newsdad finished fourth while Treasure Beach, the 4-5 favourite, finished fifth.
Center Divider was the front-runner who completed the opening quarter-mile in 26.10 seconds and, crossed the half-mile mark in 52.05 seconds. Center Divider, mounted by Rosie Napravnik led for the mile, which he clocked in 1 minute and 40.02 seconds.
This is when Point Of Entry made his move and fought for the lead, which he gained after 1 ¼ miles and maintained it until the end.
The trainer appreciated the strategy of Jose Lezcano and commented on his tactics:
"When Center Divider broke on the lead, Point of Entry laid right there with him. He said he just relaxed and galloped along. When someone kind of came up there he just sort of eased into the bridle and Jose kept him in the clear. I thought it worked
out really well."
Treasure Beach, son of Galileo, foaled by mare Honorine, did not threaten anyone. There was a lot of speculation regarding his form since he failed to deliver in the first two starts of his season and, this race shows that he did not have the same
fervour which he showed in the past.
Claude McGaughey has big plans for Point Of Entry, and the four-year-old’s next stop might be the Grade 1 $600,000 Sword Dancer Invitational, which will take place at the Saratoga racecourse on 18th August, 2012.
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