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The talented four-year-old colt Divisidero has slowly risen through the ranks of the nation’s best turf horses, winning two stakes races last year and adding the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (gr. I) to his record on May 7th at Churchill Downs. Now, the son of Kitten’s Joy will attempt to rise even higher when he takes on a top-notch field in the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Stakes (gr. I) on June 11th at Belmont Park.
On June 5th, Divisidero completed his major preparations for the Manhattan when he breezed four furlongs in :48.60 on the main track at Churchill Downs, a workout that pleased trained Buff Bradley.
“He had a nice breeze and he galloped out well,” Bradley was quoted as saying in a Churchill Downs press release. “I think he’s one of the top turf horses in America right now but a win would put him right there at the top and with the way he’s training and going into this race I don’t see any reason why he doesn’t have a big shot to win.”
Among the horses that Divisidero will face in the Manhattan is Flintshire, a two-time runner-up in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) and winner of the Sword Dancer Invitational (gr. I) at Saratoga last summer.
“When you run Grade Is for that kind of money, you’re going to attract the best that there is,” Bradley said. “It’s going to be tough race, everything has to go our way since we’re running against this type. When you run against those there is no room for mistakes so we hope to get him up there in good order and get another big win under his belt.
“I really don’t have any concerns. This is the week we get him up there in good order and he handles everything pretty well so I don’t think the ship should bother him.”
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