Magic Attitude makes U.S. debut in Belmont Oaks

ELMONT, N.Y. – After competing admirably against some top-class 3-year-old fillies in Europe, Magic Attitude makes her U.S. debut in a seemingly soft spot when she takes on just four rivals in Saturday’s Grade 1, $250,000 Belmont Oaks Invitational going 1 1/4 miles on turf at Belmont Park.

Roy and Gretchen Jackson purchased Magic Attitude following a Group 3 victory in France to begin her 3-year-old season. In her first start for them, Magic Attitude ran second to the undefeated Tawkeel in the Group 1 Prix Saint Alary on June 14. Most recently, she finished fifth, beaten three lengths in the Group 1 Prix de Diane, also known as the French Oaks.

Fancy Blue, who won the French Oaks, came back to win the Group 1 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, while French Oaks runner-up Alpine Star was second in a Group 1 at Deauville. Raabihah, fourth in the French Oaks, won a Group 3 at Deauville, while Ebaiyra, sixth in the French Oaks, won a Group 2 at Deauville.

“It was a good edition this year of the French Oaks, very encouraging,” said trainer Arnaud Delacour, who was sent Magic Attitude six weeks ago from previous trainer Fabrice Chappet.

In her runner-up performance in the Saint Alary, Magic Attitude was a bit keen early, made the lead in upper stretch, but was no match for Tawkeel and was beaten five lengths. Tawkeel came back to win the Group 2 Prix de la Nonette at Deauville on Aug. 20.

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In the French Oaks, Magic Attitude was last of 11 and then came with a mild bid.

“She’s not a big filly, but she seems to have a really good turn of foot,” Delacour said. “As long as she can relax early, she should be fine.”

Javier Castellano rides Magic Attitude.

Antoinette and Key Biscayne finished first and third in the Saratoga Oaks on Aug. 16, and are back in this spot Saturday.

Antoinette, trained by Bill Mott for Godolphin Racing, won the Saratoga Oaks in front-running fashion, a style employed by jockey John Velazquez after previous attempts to come from off the pace with the filly were unsuccessful.

Antoinette does look to be the primary speed Saturday from the outside post under Velazquez.

“I don’t believe she needs to be on the lead, but it worked for her the other day,” Mott said.

Antoinette has followed that victory with a series of solid works at Saratoga, including a fastest of 42 move in 48 seconds on Sept. 13.

“She’s had some nice, useful works leading up to this,” Mott said. “She looks great. I’m happy with her.”

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Key Biscayne came with a mild rally to be third in the Saratoga Oaks and put in a solid workout over the Belmont turf going five furlongs in 1:00.20 on Sunday.

Neige Blanche is in from California for trainer Leonard Powell. A Group 3 winner on soft turf in France in June, Neige Blanche finished a non-threatening fourth in her Stateside debut in the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks on Aug. 22.

Setting the Mood, still eligible for a first-level allowance race, completes the field.

With a short field, the Belmont Oaks is carded as the fifth race (3:04 p.m. Eastern) on Saturday’s 10-race card, which begins at 1 p.m.