Horse Racing Wrapup July 11, 12, 13 - Upsets Abound in Equestrian Action from New York to France

Grandeur was supposed to take an easy victory in New York, but that didn't happen. The Grey Gatsby was predicted for an easy win in France, but it was not in the cards. And the Princess of Sylmar was anything but royal during a very common showing in Delaware. There were of course fave winners in some important races, but those three notable upsets seemed to be the trend for this past week in legal horse betting action. In England, heavy favorite Slade Power easily backed up his Royal Ascot victory, winning the Group 1 Darley July Cup at Newmarket. But in the US at the Los Alamitos track, La Grange pulled a 2 3/4 length victory over the decided favorite, Heart of Paradise.

Grandeur Suffers Hangover Kid Upset in New York

In turf action on Saturday, Hangover Kid delivered what probably became a Sunday hangover to favorite Grandeur. Coming from behind, the heavy favorite got to the front down the stretch before a late head bob by Hangover Kid got the victory. Hangover Kid had been placing nicely, taking second place in three of his last four races. The six-year-old son of Lemon Drop Kid scored points in the $200,000 Grade II Bowling Green Handicap at Belmont Park with the victory. Hangover Kid trainer John Servis expressed his desire to "go to the Breeders' Cup with him" in November, but did not mention the next step for the improving horse.

France Has Gallante Showing Over Favorite The Grey Gatsby

As prefaced above, in France, Gallante made a gallant showing with a major upset in this past Sunday's Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris for three-year-olds at Longchamp. No doubt the rain soaked course had something to do with the underdog victory, and that horse finished by a neck in front of Prince Gibraltar. However, the overwhelming favorite of the race was The Grey Gatsby, especially after reigning victorious in the Group 2 Dante Stakes and Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club. The soft, muddy course provided nothing but a sixth place finish for Gatsby. That talented horse's trainer, Kevin Ryan, was not a big fan of the condition of the track. He pointedly stated that, "We won't be running on this soft ground again."

Princess of Sylmar Not the "Belle" of the Ball As Expected

The Princess of Sylmar was expected to post an easy victory in Saturday's running of the Grade I Delaware Handicap for $750,000. But it was another mare that proved victorious in that race. Belle Gallantey exploded out of the gate and led the entire race from the start, besting the field. The eventual victory was measured by 2 3/4 lengths over Princess of Sylmar. The five-year-old Belle covered the 1 1/4 mile fast track in 2:01.15 with Jockey José Ortiz on top. Gallantey has been steadily improving, and was making just her second stakes start. Trainer Rudy Rodriguez said that the horse's performance in the Ogden Phipps "showed she belonged." Todd Fletcher is the trainer for Sylmar, and exclaimed, "We have no excuses."

I'm Already Sexy Goes 4 for 4 at Arlington Park

Winning by a neck in Saturday's $200,000, Grade III Modesty Handicap at Arlington Park was four-year-old I'm Already Sexy. The daughter of Ready's Image stayed back of the pace early and grabbed the lead heading for home. In second was Gulsary, with long shots Street of Gold and Every Way finishing third and fourth. Coming out of the 13 hole does not always prove easy for any horse, but that didn't seem to slow down or otherwise hinder I'm Already Sexy, according to her trainer Wayne Catalano. The horse is now an impressive 4 for 4 on the Arlington Park grass. The victory in this local prep race for Grade I Beverly D on Arlington Million Day may prove just what Catalano needed to see to enter his horse in that upcoming race.

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