Far Bridge works but will not take on Breeders' Cup Turf

ELMONT, N.Y. – Multiple Grade 1 winner Far Bridge, second in the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic earlier this month, worked a half-mile in 49.82 seconds, according to track clockers, over the Tapeta track at Belmont Park on Friday morning. He will not, however, move on to the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Turf, trainer Miguel Clement said later Friday morning.

Instead, Far Bridge will point to the Grade 2, $500,000 Man o’ War on Nov. 28 at Belmont and then the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf on Jan. 30 at Gulfstream Park. Far Bridge is undefeated in five starts at Gulfstream, including consecutive runnings of the Grade 3 Pan American Stakes.

Clement was happy enough with Far Bridge’s work Friday, he just isn’t sure he’s good enough to beat some of the top European contenders for the Turf, such as Diamond Necklace, Bay City Roller, Ethical Diamond, and potentially Ombudsman, if he makes the trip.

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“I don’t think I’m good enough to beat the Euros. I think I’m good enough to beat any of the Americans,” Clement said. “I have a strong feeling the Man o’ War is the right answer.”

Citrus Springs, who is pointing to the Juvenile Fillies Turf, worked a half-mile in 49.85 over the Tapeta track on Friday morning. She will be making her first start for Clement in the Juvenile Fillies Turf.

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