Guillot has one definite, one possible for Champagne Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. – Trainer Eric Guillot, who spent the summer in steamy south Florida, has shipped up two promising juveniles, at least one of whom will run in next Saturday’s Grade 1, $500,000 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park.

Stronger, a son of Bodemeister who won a one-mile maiden race in his second start at Gulfstream Park, is definite for the Champagne. Master Manipulator, a son of Tale of the Cat who had a brutal trip when second in a one-mile race Sept. 17 at Gulfstream, could run in the Champagne or a seven-furlong maiden race the same day.

Stronger finished fourth in his six-furlong debut July 23 before rolling to a 6 1/2-length victory going a mile Aug. 27.

Guillot said in his first start Stronger “just ran even, he chased them all the way around there. Then, even though he won by 6 1/2, I think he should have won by 10. He breaks on top, he takes him back, he rushes him into a 45-and-change half, and goes six wide in a six-horse field and drew off.”

Guillot believes Stronger wants two turns and was considering the Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland “but there was a chance I wasn’t going to get in, and they’re more seasoned horses. They’re more proven than the ones in the Champagne.”

Guillot said Manny Franco rides Stronger.

Master Manipulator, a half-brother to the Grade 1 winner Curalina, was checked several times in a one-mile maiden race when he was beaten just a half-length by Platinum Equity, the same horse Stronger defeated by 6 1/2 lengths. Master Manipulator is a June foal.

“I’m not so sure at the end of the day he’s not better than Stronger,” Guillot said. “I think he’s going to be a super, super nice horse. He’s the real deal.”

Angel Arroyo would ride Master Manipulator.

Others pointing to the Champagne include Aveenu Malcaiu, who is expected to scratch from a stakes at Finger Lakes on Saturday, Crea’s Bklyn Law, Enticed, Firenze Fire, Full of Run, Good Magic, Hazit, Honorable Treasure, and Kowboy Karma.

◗ Beginning Wednesday, first post at Belmont switches to 12:55 p.m. except for next Saturday, when first post is 12:15 for the Jockey Club Gold Cup program.