Reigning United States Turf champion Gio Ponti has snapped a five-race losing streak with a narrow win in the Grade One Man O' War Stakes at Belmont Park.After jumping from the outside gate, Gio Ponti settled last with Ramon Dominguez aboard and moved forward rounding the home turn.He surged in the straight to gather in Mission Approved to beat his rival by a neck to claim his fifth win at the elite level and his second consecutive win in the race."I never had a doubt that the horse was the lead
Reigning United States Turf champion Gio Ponti has snapped a five-race losing streak with a narrow win in the Grade One Man O' War Stakes at Belmont Park.
After jumping from the outside gate, Gio Ponti settled last with Ramon Dominguez aboard and moved forward rounding the home turn.
He surged in the straight to gather in Mission Approved to beat his rival by a neck to claim his fifth win at the elite level and his second consecutive win in the race.
"I never had a doubt that the horse was the leader of his division and I'm delighted with the way he ran today," trainer Christophe Clement said.
As well as being winning the Eclipse award as the turf champion, Gio Ponti is holds the title of the best older male horse for last year.
"I was a little concerned about the way the race was going to unfold," Dominguez told the NYRA.
"I knew there wasn't a whole lot of speed, and that there were a lot of horses with similar running styles to mine.
"As the race unfolded, I was a little concerned about the slow pace, but I was very happy with the way he was travelling.
"Turning for home, I felt it was a matter of getting a little racing luck. When he split horses, at that point, I felt a little more confident, and that he would get there."
Gio Ponti extended his record to 10 wins and six second placings from 20 starts.
Clemente said the next options included a defence of the Arlington Million on August 21 or the Pacific Classic at Del Mar a week later.