Title Role has been aimed at Saturday’s $750,000 Belmont Derby at Saratoga, with John Velazquez booked for his first ride on the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained colt.
The three-year-old arrives with a proper international profile after winning the Jumeirah 2000 Guineas at Meydan and the German 2000 Guineas at Cologne. Coolmore’s Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Michael Tabor own the Too Darn Hot colt, who is now stepping up to nine furlongs on the Mellon Turf course.
Belmont Derby field takes shape
According to the NYRA-supplied Belmont Derby preview, Title Role leaves from post nine, with Crisford saying the extra furlong should suit and that the colt’s balance and tactical speed make him a natural fit for American turf racing.
Godolphin’s Pacific Avenue adds another European thread to the Grade 1, having finished third in the Irish 2000 Guineas after chasing Title Role home in Dubai earlier this year.
William Buick takes the ride from post six for Charlie Appleby, whose New York Grade 1 record is strong but whose Belmont Derby wait continues.
The home defence is led by West End Kid, Touch of Fire, Blackmail and Bottas, with West End Kid coming in off a Pennine Ridge Stakes win at Saratoga.
For Title Role, this is the most consequential test yet: a chance to turn winter promise and European Classic form into a top-level US breakthrough.
