Gio Ponti: new challenge for America's leading turf performer in Classic

  PICTURE: NTRA/Horsephotos.com  

Turf star Gio Ponti to run in Breeders' Cup Classic

USA: Arlington Million winner Gio Ponti, the top turf performer in the US, is to be switched to the all-weather to run in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

The four-year-old narrowly failed to win his fifth consecutive Grade 1 on grass when he finished second to rank outsider Interpatation in Saturday's Joe Hirsch Turf Classic over 1m4f at a muddy Belmont Park.

With doubt about his stamina for that 1m4f trip - the distance of the Breeders' Cup Turf - his connections are now keen to launch him on Santa Anita's Pro-Ride all-weather surface in the $5million highlight, where rivals could include Sea The Stars.

Last year's Classic was dominated by a pair of European turf performers in Raven's Pass and Henrythenavigator.

Trainer Christophe Clement explained the move to the Daily Racing Form. "One, he came out of his race in good order,'' he said on Monday.

"Two, we believe he does not have that much to prove anymore as the leading turf horse in America.

"Three, the Classic is an exciting challenge; it should be a very good race. It's a mile and a quarter, but I believe he's got as good a shot as anybody else in the race. Let's go for it.''

Summer Bird, who on Saturday added the Jockey Club Gold Cup to a cv already featuring the Belmont and Travers Stakes, is set to be the top US dirt horse in the Classic.

"It might be a tougher challenge for him than it is for Gio Ponti,'' Clement added inthe Form.

"Gio Ponti has won a graded stakes on Santa Anta's artificial surface, and I really think a mile and a quarter is an ideal distance for him. He's doing great, he had a break, he's a fresh horse.''