Zhukova a Deserving Favorite in Flower Bowl Invitational

In what could be a sign of things to come in November, Irish import Zhukova looks to have her Flower Bowl Invitational (G1) foes over the proverbial barrel on Sunday at Belmont Park.

Although she’s a two-time Group 3 winner in Ireland, Zhukova has yet to hit the board in a Group I event overseas. Yet, in her only US start, the Dermot Weld trainee absolutely destroyed the field in the Grade I Man o’ War on May 13 — and that race was against the boys.

Zhukova

Today, the 5-year-old daughter of Fastnet Rock faces just five female rivals and her speed and pace figures from that Belmont bow absolutely tower over the field. The lack of early pace could be an issue — projected early speed ration of +6 — but Zukova faced a similar scenario in her US debut and, obviously, had no problems.

The Flower Bowl Invitational has a post time of 4:46 p.m. ET.

My Bet(s): Win on 4.

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