Sunlit Uplands (IRE), who narrowly missed winning her U.S. debut at Saratoga Race Course by just a neck, aims to secure victory in Saturday’s Grade 2 Flower Bowl Stakes at Belmont Park. This $500,000 race covers 1 1/4 miles on the inner turf for fillies and mares, and grants the winner an automatic spot in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Keeneland in October.
Co-owned by her former trainer Rae Guest alongside Rachel Flynn, the 4-year-old Irish-bred daughter of Sands of Mali has been under the care of Stuart Williams during her current campaign. In her last race—the 1 1/16-mile Grade 2 Ballston Spa—Sunlit Uplands raced in third behind the leader And One More Time, ultimately finishing just a neck behind after a stewards’ review and an objection that left the result unchanged. Since then, she has stayed in New York, preparing with several breezes, including a turf workout on September 19.
Williams expressed satisfaction with her progress, noting that she recovered well from her last race and has adapted smoothly to training at Belmont. James Doyle, who will make his New York riding debut, will guide Sunlit Uplands from post 2.
Trainer Chad Brown enters the race with two contenders aiming for his record-extending ninth Flower Bowl title: Kathynmarissa, ridden by Jose Ortiz, and Cathedral, with Flavien Prat aboard. Kathynmarissa recently claimed her first Grade 1 win, while Cathedral joins the race after switching to Brown’s stable and coming off a strong showing in the Diana Stakes.
Esna, a 3-year-old filly trained by Brian Meehan and piloted by Jamie Spencer, also joins the field after recent runner-up finishes in Group 3 races in Europe. This marks Meehan’s return to Belmont Park with hopes to build on his previous Grade 1 successes in the U.S.
Other notable participants include Storm Miami, a consistent performer under trainer Amelia Green and possible early leader, as well as Fionn, a multiple graded stakes winner trained by Brad Cox who recently returned from a layoff. The field is rounded out by several high-quality rivals including the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf winner Gezora and other graded stakes contenders such as Opulent Restraint, Evershed, Silvology, and Favorite Memory.
This highly competitive lineup promises to deliver an exciting race with significant implications, as the winner will earn a coveted spot in one of the most prestigious events in the female turf division.
Fan Take: This preview highlights an exciting collision of some of the best fillies and mares from both the U.S. and Europe, reinforcing the international appeal of turf racing. The Flower Bowl’s “Win and You’re In” status adds drama and stakes, making it a pivotal event that could shape the landscape of female turf racing ahead of the Breeders’ Cup.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
