Horse Racing News on September 30, 2010

The Flower Bowl is traditionally a spot for a European-based filly or mare to come to North America and strut her stuff. This year's lone overseas representative didn't come from Europe, but rather Japan.

With the possible exception of Winchester, the older North American turf males entered in Saturday's Grade 1, $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational at Belmont Park have been a bit of an inconsistent and uninspiring group.

There was plenty of debate after the Del Mar Derby, owing to the antics of Twirling Candy and the decision by the stewards to leave him in first after a severe bumping incident five furlongs from the wire.

In the spring and summer of 2009, Lilly Fa Pootz was collecting wins in $7,500 claiming races at Emerald Downs in Washington. She had yet to start on turf.

Persistently is likely to be overlooked when she returns to Belmont Park for Saturday's Grade 1 $350,000 Beldame Invitational run at 1 1/8 miles around one turn.

On Saturday, Blind Luck could be facing the toughest fight of her fairy-tale season when she gives 10 pounds to budding rival Havre de Grace in the Grade 2, $750,000 Fitz Dixon Cotillion at Parx Racing in Bensalem, Pa.

Grand Couturier, a multiple Grade 1-winning turf horse who earned nearly $1.5 million, has been retired from racing, trainer Robert Ribaudo said Thursday.