Euro Invaders to Feature Heavily in Belmont Oaks

The Grade 1, $1 million Belmont Oaks, formerly the Garden City, is likely to feature an intriguing blend of European and American runners.

Leading the Euro contingent is the two-time Group 1 placed Xcellence, who is trained by Francois Doumen for Martin Schwartz and based in France.

Trainer Dermot Weld, who won the 1990 edition of the Belmont Stakes with Go and Go, is likely to send out Flying Jib, winner of her past three starts in Ireland, including a Group 3.

Eastern Belle is probable to run for trainer John Gosden and owner Antoinette Oppenheimer. The Champs Elysees filly broke her maiden in a 1 ¼-mile stakes in her last start.

The French-based Goldy Espony, now in the care of trainer Chad Brown, is likely to run. The gray filly is a Group 3 winner in France.

Wonderfully, an Aidan O'Brien trained filly, is likely to complete the European participation.

Trainer Christophe Clement is probable to saddle a pair of American hopefuls: Sea Queen - who won the Wonder Again, the local prep for the Belmont Oaks - and Summer Solo, an undefeated filly testing stakes company for the first time.