Belmont Race Preview: Minsk Moment Seeks Uncharted Success in Listed Beaufine Stakes
Minsk Moment, the well-travelled five-year-old trained by Adam Durrant, is set to embark on uncharted territory as he makes his highly anticipated return in the Listed Beaufine Stakes at Belmont this Saturday. At career start number 20, the son of I Am Invincible will tackle the 1000m sprint distance for the first time in his illustrious career.
The best of Minsk Moment’s six career victories came in the Listed Carbine Stakes (1400m) and the $100,000 Easingwold Stakes (1400m) at Ascot during his last campaign under Durrant’s tutelage. Now back with the astute trainer after an unsuccessful spring stint in Melbourne last year for his original trainer, Chris Waller, Minsk Moment is aiming to recapture his best form.
Despite the distance query, Durrant remains cautiously optimistic about Minsk Moment’s chances in the Beaufine Stakes. The horse has impressed in recent Lark Hill trials, recording a hat-trick of sharp 950m heat wins and completing preparations with a powerful last-to-first surge two weeks ago.
“It’s a hard one, obviously trials aren’t races, however, he’s put together three nice trials,” Durrant told TABradio. “We planned this race for his first up run, possibly not with the mind of winning, but running a really good race.”
Durrant acknowledged the challenge of translating trial form to the racetrack, but he is confident that Minsk Moment has been prepared accordingly and will be a force to be reckoned with in the Beaufine Stakes.
“I expect him to run well, but I can’t sit here and say I expect him to win,” Durrant said. “On his training on Tuesday, they are certainly going to know he’s about, that’s for sure. We’re looking for a good closing run, he’ll be ridden quietly early and hurry home hopefully.”
Minsk Moment will jump from barrier two for jockey William Pike, who is aiming for his fourth Beaufine Stakes triumph after previous successes with Essential Spice (2020), Military Reign (2016), and Megem’s Boy (2012). The horse has been backed into favoritism, tightening from $6 to $3.90 in the market.
As Minsk Moment sets out to conquer uncharted territory, the Belmont faithful will eagerly await to see if the talented sprinter can deliver a winning performance and add another chapter to his impressive racing resume.
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