Four years ago, Ron Lombardi’s Mr. Amore Stables dead-heated for second in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) at Santa Anita. This year, he hopes to return to California and do that performance one better after Firenze Fire won Saturday’s Champagne Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park. The contest is a “Win & You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Del Mar on November 4.

“I’m awesome,” said Lombardi, standing in the winner’s circle. “How could I be any better?”

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Firenze Fire and Irad Ortiz Jr (outside). NYRA/Adam Coglianese