Country Grammer, Santa Anita, Desert Crown and Do Deuce feature in our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Dubai World Cup hero Country Grammer back at Del Mar
USA: Dubai World Cup winner Country Grammer is set to have his first start since his defeat of Hot Rod Charlie under Frankie Dettori at Meydan in March when he contests the G2 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar on Saturday [July 30].
Among the opposition to the Bob Baffert-trained five-year-old will be Mandaloun, awarded the 2021 Kentucky Derby on the disqualification of Medina Spirit, and Tripoli, winner of last year’s Pacific Classic, for which the 1m ½f San Diego is a warm-up.
Country Grammer, who will be ridden by John Velazquez, last met the Brad Cox-trained Mamdaloun in the $20m Saudi Cup, in which they finished second and ninth respectively behind shock winner Emblem Road.
Santa Anita to host 2023 Breeders’ Cup
USA: The Breeders’ Cup will return to Santa Anita in 2023 when the California track will host the championships for a record 11th time. Next year will mark the 40th running of the Breeders’ Cup, when 14 G1 races worth more than $31 million, will be staged on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4.
“Santa Anita Park is an integral part of Breeders’ Cup history and is the perfect venue for our landmark 40th running,” said Drew Fleming, Breeders' Cup president and CEO.
Derby winner Desert Crown out until the autumn
GB: Undefeated Epsom Derby winner Desert Crown, forced to miss the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes after missing a piece of work due to a foot injury, is unlikely to run again until October.
The details of the setback have not been divulged but Bruce Raymond, who manages the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt for owner Saaed Suhail, has ruled him out of the Juddmonte International at York in August. “Hopefully he could run later on in something like the Arc or the Champion Stakes at Ascot in October," he told the Racing Post.
Do Deuce confirmed for Arc but Shahryar staying at home
Japan: Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) winner Do Deuce has returned to training to begin his preparation for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in which he will continue his association with legendary jockey Yutaka Take.
Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi has earmarked the G2 Prix Niel (Sept 11) for his prep race and will send G3 winner My Rhapsody with him to contest the Prix Foy.
However, the 2021 Japanese Derby winner Shahryar, who finished fourth in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, will stay at home to be aimed at the Japan Cup.
Arc betting (Ladbrokes): 9-2 Desert Crown, 6 Titleholder, Vadeni, 8 Alpinista, Torquator Tasso, 12 Free Wind, Onesto, 14 Pyledriver, 16 Do Deuce and others
Qatar agrees new five-year Arc sponsorship deal
France: The Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club has extended its sponsorship of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe for another five years. The new agreement with France Galop will last until 2027, cementing a relationship that began in 2008.
First stakes win for Cracksman
GB: Cracksman, the son of Frankel who won back-to-back editions of the Champion Stakes in 2017 and 2018, has sired his first stakes winner in his debut season after Dance In The Grass captured the Listed Star Stakes at Sandown on July 21.
Elsewhere in racing …
Japan: Vincent Ho receives short-term licence More here
GB: Stradivarius to race on after Goodwood Cup second More here
Australia: Racing Victoria entices runners to stay at Spring Carnival with five A$1m bonuses More here
GB: Former BHB chairman Savill behind radical plan to transform sport and stem talent drain More here
Japan: Laboratory of Racing Chemistry appointed as an IFHA Reference Lab More here
Australia: Doomben races halted by police chase More here
USA: Top sprinter Dr Schivel to miss Breeders' Cup More here
Australia: Lost And Running secures Everest slot More here
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