Bluegrass Cat could be reunited with Velazquez for Belmont
The second- and third-place finishers from the Kentucky Derby (G1) have been confirmed as starters for the $1-million Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 10 at Belmont Park and continue preparations for the final jewel of the Triple Crown.
Trainer Todd Pletcher said that Derby runner-up Bluegrass Cat is slated to breeze five furlongs on Sunday at Belmont. The Grade 2 winning Storm Cat colt could be reunited with jockey John Velazquez, the 2004 and '05 Eclipse Award winner as outstanding jockey, who has been sidelined since suffering a fractured shoulder blade and a cracked rib in a spill at Keeneland Race Course on April 20.
"It's looking pretty good that Johnny will be able to ride him," Pletcher said. "He's been working the horse that last few days and, hopefully, he's going to start riding next week."
Kentucky Derby third-place finisher Steppenwolfer has placed in each of his eight career starts on the main track. Trainer Dan Peitz opted to skip the Preakness Stakes (G1) to give the Aptitude colt five weeks between races. He believes the 1 1/2-mile distance of the Belmont will not pose a problem for Steppenwolfer, who breezed six furlongs in 1:13.02 on Saturday at Belmont.
"I don't know how the mile and a half is going to work to our advantage," Peitz said. "I know that most horses don't want to run a mile and a half. The whole field will probably be pretty tightly bunched."
Jazil, who finished in a dead heat for fourth in the Derby with Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Brother Derek, worked five furlongs in :59.65 handily on Saturday at Belmont for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.
"We're very pleased and he'll work back next week," McLaughlin said.
Other confirmed starters for the Belmont include Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) winner Bob and John, Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner Deputy Glitters, Preakness third-place finisher Hemingway's Key, Peter Pan Stakes (G2) winner Sunriver, stakes winner Platinum Couple, Grade 2-placed Sacred Light, and stakes-placed Oh So Awesome.
Illinois Derby (G2) winner and Preakness runner-up Sweetnorthernsaint is under consideration for the Belmont, as are Grade 3 winner Cause to Believe, stakes-placed Wilentz, and High Finance.
Source: www.thoroughbredtimes.com
Trainer Todd Pletcher said that Derby runner-up Bluegrass Cat is slated to breeze five furlongs on Sunday at Belmont. The Grade 2 winning Storm Cat colt could be reunited with jockey John Velazquez, the 2004 and '05 Eclipse Award winner as outstanding jockey, who has been sidelined since suffering a fractured shoulder blade and a cracked rib in a spill at Keeneland Race Course on April 20.
"It's looking pretty good that Johnny will be able to ride him," Pletcher said. "He's been working the horse that last few days and, hopefully, he's going to start riding next week."
Kentucky Derby third-place finisher Steppenwolfer has placed in each of his eight career starts on the main track. Trainer Dan Peitz opted to skip the Preakness Stakes (G1) to give the Aptitude colt five weeks between races. He believes the 1 1/2-mile distance of the Belmont will not pose a problem for Steppenwolfer, who breezed six furlongs in 1:13.02 on Saturday at Belmont.
"I don't know how the mile and a half is going to work to our advantage," Peitz said. "I know that most horses don't want to run a mile and a half. The whole field will probably be pretty tightly bunched."
Jazil, who finished in a dead heat for fourth in the Derby with Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Brother Derek, worked five furlongs in :59.65 handily on Saturday at Belmont for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.
"We're very pleased and he'll work back next week," McLaughlin said.
Other confirmed starters for the Belmont include Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) winner Bob and John, Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner Deputy Glitters, Preakness third-place finisher Hemingway's Key, Peter Pan Stakes (G2) winner Sunriver, stakes winner Platinum Couple, Grade 2-placed Sacred Light, and stakes-placed Oh So Awesome.
Illinois Derby (G2) winner and Preakness runner-up Sweetnorthernsaint is under consideration for the Belmont, as are Grade 3 winner Cause to Believe, stakes-placed Wilentz, and High Finance.
Source: www.thoroughbredtimes.com
posted by Jacobo | 8:56 AM
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