Injury Forces Money Game Out of Jockey Club Gold Cup, Fionn Targets Flower Bowl
A recent training session at Saratoga brought unfortunate news for fans of the Brad Cox-trained colt, Money Game, as a leg injury has forced his withdrawal from the prestigious Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup. This setback halts the promising trajectory of the four-year-old, who had shown considerable talent on the track. Concurrently, another notable horse from Cox's stable, Fionn, is making strides in her preparations for the Flower Bowl (G2) at Belmont Park, a race pivotal for securing a spot in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf.
This article delves into the details of Money Game's injury and the impact of his absence on the upcoming Jockey Club Gold Cup. It also explores Fionn's recent workout performance and her potential path to the Breeders' Cup, offering insights into her form and the expectations surrounding her next race.
Money Game's Unexpected Exit from Jockey Club Gold Cup
The racing community received concerning news regarding Money Game, a highly regarded colt from Brad Cox's barn, who has been sidelined from the upcoming Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup. The four-year-old sustained a leg injury during a Friday morning workout at Saratoga's Oklahoma training track. This injury occurred after he completed a five-eighths breeze in 1:01.4, leading to his immediate transfer to Rood and Riddle for veterinary attention. The setback is particularly disappointing given Money Game's impressive record, which includes four consecutive wins and a career-best 106 Beyer figure from Daily Racing Form, achieved when finishing second in the Monmouth Cup (G3) in July.
Money Game, owned by Gary and Mary West, is a Candy Ride colt whose burgeoning career now faces an unforeseen pause. His withdrawal from the Jockey Club Gold Cup significantly alters the race's competitive landscape. The extent of his injury and the recovery timeline remain crucial for his return to top-tier competition. This incident underscores the inherent risks in horse racing, where even a routine workout can lead to a substantial disruption in a horse's racing calendar and aspirations, impacting not only the individual horse but also the dynamics of major stakes races.
Fionn's Path to the Flower Bowl and Breeders' Cup Aspirations
While Money Game's campaign faces an interruption, stablemate Fionn, a four-year-old Twirling Candy mare, is progressing well in her preparations for the Flower Bowl (G2) at Belmont Park. This race is a significant stepping stone, serving as a 'Win and You're In' qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf. Fionn recently completed a satisfactory workout on Saratoga's Oklahoma training turf, covering a half-mile in 49.1 seconds, a performance that left trainer Brad Cox's team optimistic about her readiness.
Fionn boasts an impressive career record of 7 wins, 1 second, and 1 third from 12 starts, accumulating over $2 million in earnings. Her notable achievements include a nose victory in last year's Belmont Oaks Invitational (G1). Her most recent outing saw her finish fifth in a one-mile optional-claimer at Saratoga in August, following a nearly seven-month layoff. Despite the less-than-ideal result in that race, her connections believe she will benefit from more ground, and her recent works suggest she has come on significantly since. The Flower Bowl presents an opportunity for Fionn to demonstrate her prowess over a longer distance and secure her spot in the prestigious Breeders' Cup.