Cape Blanco has given Aidan O’Brien and Coolmore another international win, running out an easy winner of the Grade One Man O’War Stakes at Belmont Park in New York.
Jamie Spencer’s mount quickened smartly off a slow pace turning for home in Saturday’s turf race over a mile and three furlongs (2200m) to deny Gio Ponti a third success in the event.
Runner-up to Goldikova in the Breeders’ Cup last November, Gio Ponti also finished second in the 2010 Arlington Million which is a possible next target for O’Brien’s colt who was successful in last season’s Irish Derby and Irish Champion Stakes.
“Jamie gave him a great ride, but we were worried when it rained last night,” O’Brien told At The Races.
“We hoped soft ground there wouldn’t be the same as soft ground here.”
Cape Blanco started this campaign off with a fine fourth in the Dubai World Cup but was only sixth over a mile (1600m) in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot.
“He’s very tough and genuine,” O’Brien said.
“We ran him over a trip too short at Ascot but we were trying to slot them all in. This is the first time everything has gone right for him this season.
“His choice was the Eclipse or races like this.
“Something like the Arlington Million might suit but we will talk about it in the week.”
PA AAP TURF
