Stayers' Watch: October 2009 · 19.10.09

Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational (3 October)

Interpatation, winless in 17 starts dating back to March 2005, pulled off a major upset at 43-1 in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1 (turf)) on October 3 at Belmont Park. The 7-year-old gelding was allowed to coast through easy fractions, but was caught by heavy favourite Gio Ponti at the top of the stretch. Gio Ponti, the leading turf racer in North America, looked set to win his fifth straight Grade 1 race. But Interpatation re-broke and re-took the lead, eventually scoring a 1 3/4-length victory. The final time for 1 1/2 miles on a “soft” turf course was 2:41.22. Telling finished third, but was disqualified for interfering with Grand Couturier in the stretch — Grand Couturier was then placed third.

Pattison Canadian International Championship (17 October)

Last year’s Unofficial Champion Stayer, Champs Elysees, ended his career on a high note by winning the Pattison Canadian International Championship (G1 (turf)) at Woodbine. The 6-year-old bay son of Danehill had been winless in six previous starts in 2009, including a tough loss after a bad trip in the Northern Dancer Turf Stakes, but he made up for it with a come-from-behind win in one of the top stayers’ races on the continent.

After Marsh Side set dawdling fractions for most of the race, Jukebox Jury took over in mid-stretch, but couldn’t hold off Champs Elysees, who closed steadily and went on to post a half-length victory. Jukebox Jury held on for second, with Buccellati third. Time for the 1 1/2 miles on Woodbine’s “firm” turf course: 2:28.36.

After the race, Juddmonte Farms, owners and breeders of record of Champs Elysees, confirmed that he would be retired to stud immediately, rather than compete in the Breeders’ Cup Turf next month.

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What do you think?

  1. The Interpretation/Gio Ponti race was a lesson in determination as the former just would not quit even after two separate moves against him from the two wide Gio Ponti. Good race

    — Dr. Timothy Yatcak · Oct 20, 09:27 AM · #

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