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.