After Beating Horse Worth $1,749,509 on a Dirt Sprint, Rivalries With the G1 Winner Reignite Ahead of Equestrian Event in Saratoga.

The sprinting rides are making the season more exciting than ever. This year, the Grade 1 and Grade 2 races have witnessed an impressive line-up of young horses competing to add the benchmarks. The tally has been nothing short of lively, and it is hard for the equestrian world to choose a favorite. The rivalry between the pairs coupled with the equine vigor, adds to the splendor of these races. Numerous accounts show agitated spectators, including trainers who are rooting for their beloved horse to cross the finish line.

In an upcoming race, particular attention is drawn to two horses that have millions in their purse. Given that they compete head-to-head, placing two bets would be a prudent move days before the event. With a previous advantage in the sprint earned by one of them, their strong portfolio is grabbing all the attention to their next face-off.

Equestrian star horses compete once again this year

In their previous matchup, Elite Power, the current champion male sprinter, defeated Gunite, a dual graded stakes winner, at the Group 3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint in Saudi Arabia back in February. These two racers will battle for divisional dominance in the much-anticipated Grade 1 on Saturday. The $350,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga Race Course is a thrilling six-furlong race for 3-year-olds and up reported Paulick Report.

Elite Power was foaled in 2018, His sire is Curlin, the 2007 and 2008 American Horse of the Year. This February he won the prestigious Group 3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint of 6 furlongs. Previously, he also won the Grade I Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland and the Grade II Vosburgh Stakes in 2022. In comparison, Gunite, son of 2017 Horse of the Year, Gun Runner, debuted in a five-furlong race in April 2021 at Churchill Downs and came in third. The 4-year-old colt won Perryville Stakes in October 2022 finishing 2.75 furlongs.

Talking about Elite Power’s debut year success his trainer William I. Mott said, “He’s run well off of those kind of works right before his races. He did that in Saudi. He was working 51 before he won the Breeders’ Cup.” The show-off is natural as his career-earning total is a whopping $2,443,211, while Gunite earned $1,749,509. Their competence is comparable in every aspect from their roots to their purse weight. There is more to their recent win records than the career highs.

Equestrian Rising Star’s career stats

Gunite prepared for Saturday’s challenge by winning the six-furlong Aristides on June 3 at Churchill Downs by edging off Bango while earning a career-best 108 Beyer Speed. A winner at Churchill Downs (Maxfield, Harrods Creek), Saratoga (Grade 2 Amsterdam), and Keeneland (Perryville), he produced a 7-4-2-0 record the previous year.  While Elite Power returned on June 10 after a lengthy break and defeated Big Sandy by a comfortable 1 3/4 lengths in the Grade 2 True North over 6 1/2 furlong.

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In addition, Elite Power recorded a 10-7-0-1 triumphed in his lone appearance on the Spa main track at Saratoga in September 2022. Their fans are clearly divided by their race styles and strengths while others tend to pick the safe option to spectate. Given the impact of the sport, it is safe to assume that horseback riding is fun both on and off the racetrack.

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