Clement Happy With Denomination

Trainer Christophe Clement was in a sunny mood this morning following Denomination’s 2 ¾-length victory in the Athenia, her third Grade 3 win of the year.

“She came back in very good order; she looks well this morning,” said Clement of the 5-year-old mare, who will be sold on November 6 at the Fasig-Tipton sale in Lexington, Ky. “We will keep her race-fit over the next few weeks in case someone buys her and wants to race her.”

Clement was also making Breeders’ Cup plans Sunday morning for two-time defending Turf Male champion Gio Ponti, winner of the Grade 1 Shadwell Turf Mile last time out.

“He had one easy week jogging, and will return to training the next few days,” said Clement. “The schedule calls for him to breeze on October 26, and to depart for Kentucky on November 1 or 2 on a Tex Sutton flight. Most likely he will go to the Breeders’ Cup Mile but that will have to be confirmed by his owners [Castleton Lyons].”

Clement also reported that Grade 1 Sword Dancer Invitational winner Winchester, most  recently fourth in the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational, remains under consideration for the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

“If he is training well, he will be pointed to the Breeders’ Cup Turf at 1 ½ miles,” said Clement.