The $500,000 Man o'War Stakes (G1) at 1 3/8 miles on the Inner Turf Course at Belmont Park is one of the most important turf races on the New York stakes calendar, and is a major prep for the Arlington Million, Sword Dancer, and ultimately the Breeders' Cup Turf. A field of 9 older horses faced the starter on Saturday afternoon, with Frank Kilroe Mile and Manhattan Handicap winner Gio Ponti sent off as the 2-1 choice over Charlie Whittingham winner Midshps at 7-2. Dancing Forver, third in the 2008 Breeders' Cup Turf and making his 2nd start of 2009, was the 4-1 third choice on the board.
Musketier and Midships battled for the lead through fractions of 25.23, 49.99, 1:13.50, and 1:37.02, with Marsh Side and Quijano stalking them the whole way. Entering the stretch, Midships tired and faded to last as Musketier continued to lead through 10 furlongs in a quick 2:00.85. However, favorite Gio Ponti, who was unhurried in 6th early, closed with a rush to easily collar Musketier with half a furlong to go, and kicked clear to a 1 3/4 length victory in 2:12.56 over the firm going. It was another 1/2 length back from Musketier to Quijano third.
