A compelling field of international and domestic marathon specialists will test their mettle over a demanding two-mile journey in the Grade 2, $250,000 Belmont Gold Cup, Friday at Saratoga.
With several key entrants designated for the main track only, the turf marathon now centers on a fascinating duel between a proven American contender and a razor-sharp European invader.
The new favorite is Limited Liability (2-1), a seasoned campaigner from the barn of Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey. A model of consistency who just missed winning this race in 2024, he boasts the field’s highest Beyer Speed Figure.
His primary challenge comes from Flatten the Curve, a French-bred gelding shipping to the U.S. on a three-race winning streak, including a victory at this two-mile distance in a German Group 2.
The Field
1. Flatten the Curve (3-1) – This French-bred gelding arrives in peak form, having won his last four starts in Europe. His recent triumphs include the Group 2 Oleander-Rennen at Hoppegarten, a race contested over two miles.
Proven at the distance and hailing from the respected barn of Henk Grewe, his chances hinge on how his European class translates to the Saratoga turf course. On paper, he is a formidable challenger.
2. Padiddle (15-1) – This five-year-old son of Empire Maker has been uncompetitive in graded stakes this year, finishing well behind the winners in both the Man o’ War (G2) and the Pan American. He now stretches out to his longest distance ever and appears to be a step below the main contenders in this field.
3. Limited Liability (2-1) – A deserving favorite, this six-year-old was narrowly defeated in the 2024 edition of this race and has a versatile running style suited for this marathon. Trainer Shug McGaughey is a master with long-distance runners, and the horse’s 102 Beyer Speed Figure is a field-best. The only knock is a tendency to settle for minor awards, with 11 in-the-money finishes against just four career wins.
4. La Mehana (Fr) (15-1) – This Grade 3-placed mare steps up to face males while stretching out to her longest career distance. Her two U.S. wins were determined by photo finishes, showcasing her gameness. However, she will need a significant career-best performance to contend for the win against this group.
5. Anglophile (9-2) – This son of English Channel has been “screaming out for more yardage,” and at two miles, he finally gets it. Despite a 12-race losing streak, he has been facing top competition and often closes ground late. If the extreme distance is the key to unlocking his potential, he could be a major factor in the outcome.
6. The Ginger Wizard (Ire) (15-1) – Scratched.
7. Curbstone (12-1) – This gelding’s experience at two miles is a significant asset, having been stakes-placed at the distance. Unproven on turf, and while his last turf appearance saw him finish well behind rival Limited Liability, his proven stamina could play a role in the final furlongs.
8. Grand Sonata (6-1) – A Grade 2 winner, this Todd Pletcher-trainee had a “nightmare trip” last out and now reunites with top jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.. He possesses a potent closing kick, but the two-mile distance is the great unknown. If he handles the journey, his talent makes him a serious threat.
9. Tawny Port (12-1) – This horse exits his lowest speed figure since April 202 and is trying the marathon distance for the first time. With Grade 3 wins on his resume, he has back-class but is difficult to endorse based on recent form.
10. Lord Flintshire (30-1) – The longest shot on the board is making his graded stakes debut in a very tough spot. While he is a winner at Saratoga, he is known more for finishing in minor roles and appears outclassed.
11. Yo Daddy (5-1) (Main Track Only) – Should this race be moved to the dirt track, this son of Yoshida would become a prime contender. His Beyer top came in the mud, and his last start on the Saratoga dirt was a blowout victory. His versatile running style would make him dangerous on the front end or from just off the pace.
12. Timeout (9-5) (Main Track Only) – If this race were on dirt, Timeout would likely vie for favoritism. He enters in sharp form, having just missed by a head in a 1 1/2 mile dirt stakes at Churchill Downs. Trained by Bill Mott, his recent dirt efforts have been solid, and he would be a formidable presence.
13. Parchment Party (No Odds) (Main Track Only) – Another Main Track Only entrant from the Mott barn, his two career wins have come on the dirt at Churchill Downs. He showed a willing rally in his last start and possesses a strong closing kick that would make him a threat if the race came off the turf.
Win, Place, Show, Wildcard, and Longshot
Win: Limited Liability (2-1) – With the MTO scratches, he stands out as the class of the turf field. He nearly won this race last year, holds a significant speed figure advantage, and hails from a top marathon stable. With Lanfranco Dettori aboard, he is poised for a deserved Gold Cup victory.
Place: (1) Flatten the Curve – The European invader is a specialist at this distance, winning a German Group 2 over two miles last month. He is in career-best form and represents the most logical and dangerous threat to the top choice.
Show: (8) Grand Sonata (6-1) – He gets a major rider switch back to Irad Ortiz Jr. and had a valid excuse for his last performance. He has the class of a Grade 2 winner, and if he can conserve his energy, his potent late kick can land him a share of the prize.
Wildcard: (5) Anglophile (9-2) – His pedigree and running style suggest this two-mile race is exactly what he has been looking for. The long losing streak is a concern, but if the distance is the key, he could find his best stride late and upset the field.
Longshot: (7) Curbstone (12-1) – In a race where many are trying the distance for the first time, his stakes-placed effort at two miles is a significant advantage. While he needs to improve to beat the top contenders, his proven stamina at a big price makes him an intriguing play for the exotics.
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