Pornichet, Gai Waterhouse’s most recent northern hemisphere purchase, has drawn barrier eight in a field of 11 for the Belmont Invitational Derby on Sunday morning (AEST).
Pornichet is the winner of three races from six starts and earned a United States invite with his French 2000 Guineas placing before his private sale to Waterhouse during the trainer’s recent European scouting mission.
He will be Waterhouse’s first United States runner in a decorated career spanning more than two decades.
Toast Of New York has been drawn in stall one with Jamie Osborne’s pride and joy already having one Derby to his name, when victorious in the UAE version at Meydan in March.
Connections now get the chance to see if their decision to skip the Epsom Classic was worthwhile.
Osborne has been reporting scintillating gallops of late and is looking to see Toast Of New York cement his position as the current Team British Racing Champion, a Great British Racing International to showcase the array of talent within the domestic training ranks.
“Toast Of New York has been working really well, he is going into the race in the form of his life and we’re hopeful and looking forward to a big run,” said Osborne.
“I’m delighted that Toast Of New York is a part of Team British Racing. It is a great way to highlight British-trained runners and their connections racing overseas and the whole.
“The Toast of New York team and I are proud to be a part of it.”
Also taking on Toast Of New York are Aidan O’Brien’s Adelaide, second in the King Edward VII at Royal Ascot, and Bobby’s Kitten, third behind Outstrip at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf in November.
