Three UK-trained runners are being sent over the Atlantic for a crack at the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes at Belmont Park on Saturday.
Breeders' Cup Classic champion Forever Young sparkled as the venue's reopening last week and it is set to get another sprinkling of stardust this weekend as a classy field of seven have been declared for the the middle-distance Grade 1.
Now retired globetrotting hero Rebel's Romance took this race when it was staged at Aqueduct 12 months ago and Charlie Appleby is represented again this year...
Appleby runs El Cordobes in a bid to land back-to-back successes after his exploits in America last season. Potentially still improving as a lightly-raced five-year-old, he won the Sword Dancer in 2025, before finishing third behind Rebel's Romance in this race and achieved the same finishing position when tested in the Breeders' Cup Turf in November. His return in the Amir Trophy was slightly disappointing, but he has to go close if he is able to bounce back from a 224-day lay-off.
Pride Of Arras is sent over by Ralph Beckett after he got his career back on track when defeating Constitution Hill, among others, in the September Stakes last time out. When at his best, the New Bay gelding has been brilliant, however, he has been fairly inconsistent throughout his career. His runner-up finish behind subsequent Juddmonte International winner Item is an eye-catching piece of form and gives him a good chance in here if able to repeat that effort.
The third and final UK challenger is Ed Walker's Fort George. He too has form with Rebel's Romance -- runner-up to him in the Dubai City Of Gold at Meydan in February -- and has made each of his last two starts in the US. Beaten four lengths by Tiffany in the Kentucky Turf Cup Invitational Stakes when last seen; Ethical Diamond was just ahead in second.
It's a competitive heat on paper with not much to separate the first six in the betting and the shortest of the home contingent is three-time winner Minaret Station. He improved to finish close up behind classy George Boughey filly Survie at Saratoga and has form that ties in with Fort George; trailing him by just a neck in a Grade 2 back in July.
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes confirmed runners
- Minaret Station
- Pride Of Arras
- El Cordobes
- Far Bridge
- Asbury Park
- Fort George
- Program Trading
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes betting odds
(Odds will display when market is available)
Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.
