Joe hirsch turf

classic (grade 1)

KEN and Sarah Ramsey’s Big Blue Kitten was produced with a sweeping run around the home turn to go three lengths clear of his field in the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont.

Though his advantage was reduced as the line approached, he still held off a late challenge by Slumber and Twilight Eclipse to win the Grade 1 in course-record time last Saturday.

One of three runners for Chad Brown, Big Blue Kitten was in mid-division early on under Joe Bravo as stablemate Shining Copper led through fast fractions, at one stage being 11 lengths before the rest of the field began to close. Big Blue Kitten, who had made steady progress from well back, rushed to the lead on the outside rounding the turn and held on tenaciously for a three-quarter length triumph.

Slumber, also trained by Brown, was followed home by Twilight Eclipse and the favourite Red Rifle. The first three finishing order was the same as in the Grade 1 United Nations at Monmouth in July where Big Blue Kitten had a length and a half to spare.

Big Blue Kitten is now a four time Grade 1 winner and finished second to Hillstar in the Canadian International last year. However, he would not look a threat to the top Europeans if they contest the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

The course-record time of 2m 23.39sec for the mile and a half on turf was also the fastest 12 furlongs at Belmont Park on any surface, including Secretariat’s Belmont Stakes. Big Blue Kitten, a seven-year-old son of the Ramsey’s stallion Kitten’s Joy was winning his 14th race.

“I thought they both (Big Blue Kitten and Slumber) ran terrific,” said Brown. “I’m proud of both horses. The race pretty much went the way I expected. Shining Copper has run admirably all summer as the pacemaker for us. Maybe with 70 yards to go, I was a little concerned, but he had enough.”

“He’s just such a good horse, so honest and puts you to it all,” winning jockey Bravo said. “You’re watching the pace, but it’s kind of nice to sit back and see the pace unfolding. When it comes down to it, he’s an amazing horse and he deserves to hold a track record. He’s done so good that he makes you look good.”