Jamie Spencer anticipates a bold show from Cape Blanco when the pair team up in Saturday’s Man o’War Stakes at Belmont Park.
Last year’s Irish Derby and Irish Champion Stakes hero was a well-beaten sixth over a mile (1600m) in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot at his latest start, but had previously performed with credit in France and Dubai.
Aidan O’Brien’s four-year-old was just ahead of Gio Ponti in the World Cup at Meydan and again goes head to head with his old rival who is seeking a third consecutive Man o’War triumph.
“It’s an interesting race. He’s met Gio Ponti before and he beat him when they met in Dubai,” Spencer told At The Races.
“Hopefully they’ll have a dry week and we’ll get nice, fast ground out there.
“Obviously the trip will suit him, it’s a mile and three (furlongs, 2200m) and it looks a good spot for him.
“It’s probably Gio Ponti’s ideal trip as well, but our fellow is a high-class horse and if he can find his real form I think he’ll be hard to beat.
“I haven’t spoken to Aidan (since Ascot) but he (Cape Blanco) was fine after the race and I’m looking forward to it.”
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