There could be significant European interest at Belmont July 9 with the news that Beacon Rock (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Humphrey Bogart (Ire) (Tagula {Ire}) have both received invitations to run in the GI Belmont Derby. Beacon Rock is a tough consistent colt and the Ballydoyle 3-year-old ran his usual game race last time when second in the G2 King Edward VII S. at Royal Ascot. The Richard Hannon-trained Humphrey Bogart finished just over two lengths behind Beacon Rock that day and James Ramsden, representative of owners Chelsea Thoroughbreds indicated they were keen to take up the challenge.
Speaking to the Racing Post, Ramsden said, “We are pretty keen on going. It's exciting to be invited to such a race, so we're just working through the logistics of it at the moment with Richard Hannon. There's 10 people involved in the horse and it's a great thrill for the owners. An invitation like this isn't going to come along every day, so it's great for the syndicate.”
Aidan O'Brien could also be represented in the GI Belmont Oaks on the same day with Alice Springs (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who has received an invitation along with the Jim Bolger trained Turret Rocks (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) and Dermot Weld's Simannka (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}).
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