The 28th running of the grade I, $750,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational for 3-year-olds at 1 1/2 miles on the turf, being run this year for the first time to honor Joe Hirsch, the retired executive columnist for Daily Racing Form. Expected to run are Kicken Kris, Kitten's Joy, Magistretti, Maktub, Request for Parole, and Tycoon, with Polish Summer listed as questionable. Three-year- olds will carry 121 pounds, older horses will carry 126 pounds and fillies and mares get an additional three-pound allowance.The 27th running of the grade I, $750,000 Flower Bowl Invitational Handicap for fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up, at a 1 1/4 miles on the turf (race 8; 4:40 p.m. Eastern): Expected to enter are Aubonne, Commercante, Dimitrova, Film Maker, Humaita, Riskaverse, and Wonder Again. Questionable are Lucifer's Stone and Moscow Burning.The 65th running of the grade I, $500,000 Vosburgh for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs (race 7; 4:09 p.m. Eastern): Cajun Beat, Pico Central, Speightstown, and Watchem Smokey. Voodoo is likely, and Eavesdropper, Medallist and Wildcat Heir are also possible. Three-year-olds will carry 122 pounds, while older horses will carry 126 under weight-for-age conditions.
Following the retirements of Sarava and Peace Rules Tuesday, there were four probable starters and two questionable runners for Saturday's $1-million Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) at Belmont Park.Likely starters for the 1 1/4-mile Gold Cup (race 10; 5:45 p.m. Eastern), one of four grade I races on the card, are Domestic Dispute, Dynever, Evening Attire, and The Cliff's Edge, with Funny Cide and Total Impact are listed as questionable. Three-year-olds carry 122 pounds, while older horses will carry 126 pounds here.The other grade I races on the card and their probable fields: