Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes 2011

8.22 Belmont Park

Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (3YO plus)

Winner $319,401

Advice: 3 pts win Cape Blanco (4/6 general)

Cape Blanco: Has found his best form of late here, winning the Man O’War Stakes and also Arlington Million, drawing away both times; This field looks no more threatening and should go well in hat – trick bid.

Teaks North: Made it 4-4 at Monmouth when taking advantage of poorly/ridden underperforming Stacelita in United Nations, and didn’t back that up when fourth in Sword Dancer Invitational next time out; Shouldn’t reverse form with Winchester.  – NON RUNNER

Dean’s Kitten: Best recent form when third behind Cape Blanco in the Arlington Million last time out; Shouldn’t be reversing form with Cape Blanco and trip might not suit him based on way he lost second close on at Arlington.

Mission Approved: Made Gio Ponti pull out all the stops when allowed to dictate a steady pace in last year’s renewal, and got away with it when gives same amount of rope on seasonal reappearance when pinching the  Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap; reversed with Gio Ponti on level terms next and then unplaced in Arlington Million; Hard to fancy.

Winchester: Won this last year and came back top that form when winning the Sword Dancer last time, having been last and wide into the straight; Chance again here and should go well.

Grassy:  Third behind Winchester last year and won the Bowling Green Handicap under top weight last time out; Could go well but unlikely to beat Winchester if both run to form based on last year’s meeting.

VERDICT: CAPE BLANCO has refound his best form since going to the USA and should be backed to make it a hat – trick of wins this evening. Winchester and Grassy, last year’s 1-2, should give him most to do.