International Cast Of 13 Set For Belmont Derby Invitational – Horse Racing News

Godolphin’s Irish homebred Nations Pride will look to continue a tremendous run of form in North America for trainer Charlie Appleby when he takes on an international field of 13 Saturday in the $1-million Caesars Belmont Derby Invitational at Belmont Park. The Belmont Derby a 10-furlong inner turf test for sophomores. Nations Pride exits an eighth-place finish in the Cazoo Epsom Derby (G1) June 4 which came five weeks after a seven-length romp over subsequent Derby runner-up Hoo Ya Mal in the 10-furlong listed Newmarket Stakes. Nations Pride had a four-race win streak snapped at Epsom, with his three previous wins all coming on flat courses at 10 furlongs, including a 3 1/4-length score in the Jumeirah Derby at Meydan in Dubai. The son of Teofilo is a grandson of Group 1-winner and 2006 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) fifth Satwa Queen, a 10-furlong specialist. Appleby said Nations Pride should appreciate firmer footing as he cuts back in distance. “He just didn’t stay in the English Derby. It’s as simple as that and the ground would have been a question,” Appleby said. “The quicker the ground, the better for him and he’s proven that already at Meydan’s quick,…
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