Can a star in Texas make it in New York?
Four of last year’s Breeders’ Cup winners at Lone Star Park will be trying to defend their championships Saturday at Belmont Park.
1. Ashado
$2 million Distaff
Last year: Despite encountering traffic congestion with a quarter-mile to run, Ashado was able to surge to the front in the stretch and go on to win by 1 1/4 lengths.
Since then: She has won three of six starts with all of the conquests coming in Grade I races.
Saturday: Figures to be the favorite.
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2. Better Talk Now
$2 million Turf
Last year: Was a 27-1 long shot when he made his five-wide move to get the best of two big-name opponents, Kitten’s Joy and Powerscourt, in the stretch.
Since then: He’s 3-for-6 and is coming off a neck victory in the Grade I Man O’ War at Belmont.
Saturday: Should be third or fourth choice.
3. Singletary
$1.5 million Mile
Last year: Assumed command by angling to the outside in the stretch and held off rallying European Antonius Pius to win by a half-length at odds of 16-1.
Since then: He has taken two of five races, including the Grade I Oak Tree Mile last time out.
Saturday: If he wins, it’ll be another upset.
4. Ouija Board
$1 million Filly and Mare Turf
Last year: Making her American debut–after finishing third as a 3-year-old racing against males in the Arc de Triomphe–the English filly won as the 9-10 favorite.
Since then: She has started twice, finishing a distant seventh in June and winning impressively Sept. 24.
Saturday: Probable favorite.