Pletcher could take Belmont this time

Trainer Todd Pletcher is headed to the Belmont Stakes on June 10 with a strong hand as he tries again for his first classic victory.
The victory of Sunriver in last weekend's Peter Pan Stakes gives Pletcher at least two solid candidates for the Belmont, the oldest of the three Triple Crown races that will be run for the 138th time.
Pletcher's Bluegrass Cat finished second in the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago and is pointing for the Belmont, which at 1 ½ miles should play to his distance pedigree.
He is also the trainer of 3-year-olds High Cotton and Ultimate Goal, who finished first and second, respectively, in the Sir Barton Stakes at Pimlico on Preakness Day.
Sunriver won the Peter Pan with a sustained rally to catch a stubborn Lewis Michael in the final strides of the Grade II race at 1Þ miles.
Pletcher wanted to run him in the Derby, but the son of Saint Balldo, owned by Aaron and Marie Jones, did not have enough graded stakes earnings.
He was coming off a third-place finish to Barbaro and Sharp Humor in the Florida Derby, beaten 3 ½ lengths.
Sunriver is a full brother to the champion filly Ashado, winner of the Breeders' Cup Distaff, Coaching Club American Oaks and Beldame in her fabulous career.
He sent his career earnings to $281,400 with a record of 3-2-1 in seven starts.
Peter Pan, the horse, was a foal of 1904 bred and owned by James R. Keene.
He won the Flash and Hopeful stakes at Saratoga in 1906, and the Belmont and Brooklyn Derby the following year.
The Brooklyn Derby is now known as the Dwyer Stakes.
Peter Pan was a son of Commando, winner of the Belmont in 1901.
His sire line lives today through Broad Brush, winner of the Wood Memorial, Suburban, and Santa Anita Handicap, and his sons Best of Luck, who stands in New York, and Include, who stands in Kentucky.
Begun in 1940, the Peter Pan Stakes was discontinued from 1961-1974.
It has been a very important barometer of Belmont Stakes form.
Horses who won or placed in the Peter Pan that also won the Belmont Stakes include Phalanx (1947), Counterpoint (1951), Gallant Man (1957), Cavan (1958), Coastal (1979), Danzig Connection (1986), A.P. Indy (1992), Colonial Affair (1993) and Lemon Drop Kid (1999).
COMING SUNDAY: A look at the issue of changing the Triple Crown series in the wake of the injury to Barbaro.
Source: www.saratogian.com