Brown Emerges With Strong BC Contenders
Trainer Chad Brown sent out a fleet of runners on TVG Super Saturday at Belmont Park, and emerged with some strong Breeders' Cup contenders.
Brown's day was capped by Stephanie's Kitten's victory in the Grade 1, $600,000 Flower Bowl, which the Kitten's Joy mare won with ease. According to Brown, the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf has always been the objective for Stephanie's Kitten's 5-year-old campaign, and her victory in the 1 ¼-mile Flower Bowl has the trainer brimming with confidence.
"She came out of the race in great shape so far. As long as she's sound and doing well [the Filly & Mare turf] is the plan," said Brown. "Her last three races have been terrific; I certainly wouldn't trade horses with anyone. I was really happy she adapted to the slow pace because I wasn't sure how she'd react laying that close."
Brown also saddled fourth-place finisher Watsdachances and seventh-place finisher Alterite in the Flower Bowl, who came back well, according to the trainer.
Two races later, in the Grade 1, $600,000 Joe Hirsch, Brown's entry of Big Blue Kitten and Real Solution finished fourth and sixth, respectively. A slow pace hindered the chances of Big Blue Kitten, while Real Solution failed to deliver his best effort, according to the trainer.
"I'd like to go [to the Breeders' Cup Turf with Big Blue Kitten]," said Brown. "I would have liked to have seen a stronger pace, and he had a little trouble turning for home, but not terrible. I was a little disappointed he didn't kick that last eighth and catch up to the top three, but all in all he wasn't beaten too far. If he's sound and well, I would like to take a shot with him out at Santa Anita and hope for a stronger pace.
"Real Solution just didn't have it [in the Joe Hirsch]," Brown added. "It was likely his last race, but I have to confirm that with Mr. [Ken] Ramsey. He's scheduled to enter stud at [the Ramsey's] farm."
Brown also sent out two horses in the featured Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup, with the New York-bred Zivo giving the trainer his best finish. Zivo lagged behind a lively pace, was forced to steady near the three-eighths pole after Wicked Strong unseated Rajiv Maragh, but still mounted a strong rally in the stretch to finish second.
"Zivo came back great. He ran terrific," said Brown. "In my eyes, it was another career best race for him. He had some trouble, as did a handful of other horses when [Maragh] went down, but regained his composure and restarted his race at that point. He was second best yesterday, but a good second."
The patiently handled Zivo, who progressed through his New York-bred conditions methodically, may get a crack at the Breeders' Cup Classic, according to Brown.
"I'd like to take a shot in the Classic, but I have to talk to Mr. [Tom] Coleman," said the trainer. "He's doing so well right now, and it's one of the best races in the world. Why not?"