WHAT’S ON TRACK this weekend at Belmont at the Big A and Santa Anita with Matthew Lomon Globe-Trotting Titan The last stop on Rebel Romance’s (IRE) path to Del Mar, and a potential third Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) title, comes Saturday in the $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1T) at Belmont at the Big A. After capturing the Grosser Preis von Berlin (G1) at Racecourse Hoppegarten on Aug. 10, the international superstar returns to Queens, New York, for the first time since the 2023 Joe Hirsch, when he finished fourth. Expectations for the lifetime earner of $14-plus million are unsurprisingly high, with the Charlie Appleby charge holding top-dog status on the morning line at even-money. Alongside the 1 ½-mile Joe Hirsch, Aqueduct’s loaded Saturday card also features the Gallant Bloom (G2), Woodward (G2), Belmont Turf Sprint (G3T), and Vosburgh (G3), which awards the winner a spot in November’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1). Sizzlin’ Serrano A red-hot Full Serrano (ARG) can secure his third straight win, and second of the Grade 1 variety, with another stellar outing in the $300,000 Goodwood (G1), Saturday at Santa Anita. The 6-year-old has enjoyed a dream start since coming to California from his native Argentina, finding the winner’s circle in three of four starts. After scoring in his West Coast debut last August, Full Serrano made waves with a runner-up effort in the $1 million Pacific Classic (G1) four weeks later. The John Sadler trainee then parlayed that impressive outing into a landmark triumph of the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at 13-1. Raring to go following a strong tune-up effort on Sept. 1, Full Serrano, at 2-1, can punch his ticket to the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on Saturday. Don’t Write Me Off The anticipation around Johannes’ 2025 debut reached sky-high levels after he delivered eight wins, including seven stakes tallies, in 10 starts between December 2022 and December 2024. Unfortunately, an injury led to an extended layoff, and the million-dollar Tim Yakteen trainee had some trouble shaking the rust off in his return on Aug. 2 in the Grade 1 Fourstardave (where he finished ninth of 10). But one blemish on an otherwise sparkling résumé is no reason to overlook the even-money choice heading into Saturday’s $200,000 City of Hope Mile (G2T) at Santa Anita. With a Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T) berth on the line, a rested and motivated Johannes eyes a second shot at the big-money contest after finishing second by three-quarters-of-a-length in last year’s edition. One, Two, Three, Four… Undefeated Cavalieri has enjoyed a light sophomore season thus far, competing, and of course, winning her only two starts – January’s La Canada (G3) and March’s Beholder Mile (G1). Six months rest has proven more than enough for the young phenom, who is ready to put her perfect record on the line in Sunday’s $200,000 Zenyatta (G2) at Santa Anita. Targeting a return in the 1 1/16-mile event was a wise choice by the 3-year-old filly’s connections, as the Zenyatta grants the winner a guaranteed position in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Del Mar. Slotted into post three Sunday, Cavalieri will square off against last year’s Zenyatta victor, Sugar Fish, who will occupy post one. Crowning Achievement(s) Aiming for a shot of good fortune after a tough eighth in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (Gr. 1) on Apr. 5 at Meydan Racecourse, Straight No Chaser finds himself back on American soil to defend his $200,000 Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2) crown. A three-time graded stakes winner with additional successes in the Maryland Sprint (G3) and Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), the Dan Blacker trainee has made a sizable impact for his connections, earning over $2.6 million after being purchased for $110,000 in 2021. Should Straight No Chaser complete his title defense Sunday, the 6-year-old will set himself up to do the same thing in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) on Nov. 1 at Del Mar. Matthew Lomon, for Woodbine Share This:Share
