Castleton Lyons Farm's GIO PONTI (Tale of the Cat) strengthened his grip on
the turf division with a convincing victory in Saturday's $500,000 Man O' War S. (G1)
at Belmont Park, his first attempt beyond 1 1/4 miles. Reserved
off the early pace while traveling wide, the Christophe Clement pupil uncorked
his trademark late charge to overwhelm early leader Musketier (Ger) (Acatenango)
in deep stretch. The 2-1 favorite drew 1 3/4 lengths clear beneath Ramon
Dominguez, firmly answering the question of whether he would be as effective at
this 1 3/8-mile trip. Gio Ponti stopped the clock in 2:12 2/5 on the firm inner
turf to extend his winning streak to three, following scores in the Frank E.
Kilroe Mile H. (G1) and Manhattan H. (G1).
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