Awesome Gem Will Run in BC Marathon

West Point Thoroughbred didn't waste any time in pulling a switch with Awesome Gem and Tropic Storm, both of whom will run in their second preference races.

West Point’s Jeff Lifson said Awesome Gem, who will be making his fourth start in the Breeders’ Cup, will now run in the Marathon (gr. III) instead of his first preference, the Dirt Mile (gr. I). Tropic Storm, who had a first preference in the Turf Sprint (gr. II), will now run in the Dirt Mile.

“We decided Awesome Gem would be better suited going longer than shorter,” Lifson said of this year’s Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) winner. “David Flores (who rides Awesome Gem) is a member of the team and put in his two cents, and he loves the idea of going two turns.”

Awesome Gem has had success in Breeders’ Cup competition, finishing third behind Curlin and Hard Spun in the 2007 Classic (gr. I) at Monmouth Park. He also competed in the Mile (gr. IT) in 2008, finishing sixth, beaten 4 1/4 lengths by Goldikova, and the Classic in 2009.