Belmont Stakes Betting

Pletcher's Bluegrass Cat, Sunriver pegged as Belmont Stakes favorites

2006-06-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Bluegrass Cat and Peter Pan Stakes (G2) winner Sunriver, excluded from the Derby due to insufficient graded stakes earnings, give trainer Todd Pletcher a formidable one-two punch as the respective morning-line favorite and second choice for the 138th running of the Belmont Stakes (G1) on Saturday at Belmont Park.
Bluegrass Cat was listed by New York Racing Association oddsmaker Eric Donovan as the 3-to-1 favorite against 11 other three-year-old males entered on Wednesday for the final leg of the Triple Crown. Sunriver is next at 4-to-1 with Derby third-place Steppenwolfer at 9-to-2 and Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) winner Bob and John at 5-to-1.
The 1 1/2-mile Belmont will be run as the 11th of 13 races on Saturday with post time at 6:33 p.m. EDT. The race will be televised live during a two-hour broadcast on ABC that starts at 5 p.m.
Bluegrass Cat has not started since finishing 6 1/2 lengths behind Barbaro in the Kentucky Derby on May 6 and that plan by Pletcher to skip the Preakness Stakes (G1) was specifically designed to get the Storm Cat colt to the Belmont Stakes fresh and ready off five weeks rest.
"We purposely gave him a few days off after the Derby and he's bounced back really well," Pletcher said. "He hasn't missed a day since and is doing well [heading into the Belmont]."
Bluegrass Cat is undefeated in two starts at Belmont, including a win in the Nashua Stakes (G3) on October 28. He later added the Remsen Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct to his two-year-old resume.
Bluegrass Cat is one of five entrants seeking to win the Belmont after running in the Kentucky Derby and skipping the Preakness, along with Steppenwolfer, Bob and John, Deputy Glitters, and Jazil. The last Belmont winner to run in the Derby but skip the Preakness was Birdstone in 2004; Empire Maker the year before and Commendable in '00 also accomplished the feat.
Sunriver comes into the Belmont after a hard-fought neck victory over Lewis Michael in the 1 1/8-mile Peter Pan on May 20 at Belmont. The last Peter Pan winner to capture the Belmont Stakes was A.P. Indy in 1992, although Lemon Drop Kid finished third in the '99 Peter Pan before his Belmont victory.
A full brother to two-time champion Ashado, Sunriver was third and 3 1/2 lengths behind Barbaro in the Florida Derby (G1) but was left out of the Kentucky Derby field. Being excluded from the Derby might not have been such a bad thing in the long run, Pletcher said.
"The long-term interest of the horse probably set us up better for the Belmont, but we still would have liked to take a chance in the Derby," Pletcher said. "But it was out of our control, so we went to plan B. The plan then was to run in the Peter Pan and he ran really well in the Peter Pan."
Steppenwolfer has trained impressively at Belmont for trainer Dan Peitz since his third-place effort in the Derby. The Aptitude colt turned in two sharp six-furlong workouts in 1:13.02 on the main track on May 27 and in 1:10.20 on the training track on June 2.
"[The 1:10.20 workout] indicates how well he's doing right now," Peitz said. "I hope he transfers that work to Saturday. He did it in hand and had a great gallop out afterwards. It wasn't like we were asking him to go that fast. If we had asked him for it, then I would have been concerned but he did it on his own."
Peitz said he expected Steppenwolfer, who was far back in the early stages of both the Arkansas Derby (G2) and Kentucky Derby before rallying, to be closer to the pace in the Belmont.
Source: www.thoroughbredtimes.com

Zito hopes Gulfstream changes stakes schedule

2006-06-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

Racing Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito hopes Gulfstream Park officials consider changes to the track's schedule of stakes races for three-year-olds next season.
Zito will saddle Hemingway's Key in Saturday's Belmont Stakes (G1). Hemingway's Key struggled in a pair of stakes starts at Gulfstream, finishing 11th in the 1 1/8-mile Holy Bull Stakes (G3) on February 4 and eighth in the 1 1/8-mile Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) on March 4.
Gulfstream does not offer two-turn one-mile races, so its two-turn three-year-old stakes races are the Holy Bull and Fountain of Youth and the Florida Derby (G1), all contested at 1 1/8 miles. Gulfstream also offers the 7½-furlong Hutcheson Stakes (G2) on February 4, the seven-furlong Swale Stakes (G2) on March 4, and the 6 ½-furlong Spectacular Bid Stakes on the April 1 Florida Derby undercard.
Zito said the lack of variety in two-turn distances and the lumping together of stakes for three-year-olds on the same cards made things difficult.
"I could never get in a rhythm down there," Zito said. "I heard they're looking at the schedule. They had great horses down there, you look at Barbaro [winner of the Holy Bull and Florida Derby] and some of the others. I think the emphasis needs to be on the three-year-old stakes schedule."
Zito sent out 13 winners from 106 starters at Gulfstream this year before hitting his stride at Keeneland Race Course, where he finished as the meet's leading trainer with 12 winners from 40 starters. Hemingway's Key finished off the board after troubled starts in the Lane's End (G2) and Lexington (G2) Stakes before finishing third in the Preakness Stakes (G1).
Hemingway's Key is not the only Belmont starter who did not find the Gulfstream stakes schedule to be a good fit. Based at Gulfstream, trainer Todd Pletcher shipped Bluegrass Cat to Tampa Bay Downs where he won the Sam F. Davis Stakes and finished second in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3). Pletcher said the Gulfstream races were not falling on the weekends that he wanted to race Bluegrass Cat.
After finishing fifth in an allowance race at Gulfstream on January 15, Deputy Glitters also prepped at Tampa, finishing second in the Sam F. Davis and winning the Tampa Bay Derby.
Source: www.thoroughbredtimes.com

In spite of absences, Belmont Stakes figures to be exciting

2006-06-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

The word on the street is that Saturday’s Belmont Stakes won’t be worth watching because neither Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro or Preakness winner Bernardini will compete.
Actually, I am very excited about the field of 12 horses entered in the third jewel of the Triple Crown. The depth of this year’s 3-year-old crop is amazing. Throw in some rain that may fall on Saturday and the race has all of the makings of an old-fashioned test.
The potential field of 12 starters may be trimmed by the time Saturday arrives. Trainer Tom Albertrani, who also trains Bernardini, has said Deputy Glitters will not run if the track comes up muddy. The reason — both of Deputy Glitters’ races on off-tracks were horrendous. Platinum Couple is also entered in a race today, so he may not go in the Belmont.
The race seems fairly simple to me. I was able to throw out seven of the potential starters who I don’t think have a chance to win.
I think the victor will come from a group that includes Sunriver, Jazil, Steppenwolfer, Bob and John and Bluegrass Cat. A victory by any of the five would not surprise me. Bluegrass Cat and Sunriver are the two morning-line favorites and are both trained by Todd Pletcher.
Let’s start with the horses I eliminated. Platinum Couple had better start in today’s race because he has no chance in the Belmont. Double Glance shows nothing to excite me and Hemingway’s Key’s merry-go-round, third-place finish in the Preakness did nothing to impress me. Sacred Light has never crossed the finish line first in his seven starts. His lone win came via disqualification.

He did finish second to Nolan’s Cat in his last start. Nolan’s Cat ran third in last year’s Belmont as a maiden. Deputy Glitters did run nicely twice against Bluegrass Cat at Tampa Bay Downs, but I don’t like him here. High Finance has run evenly behind some good horses and won easily when he races against inferior stock. Oh So Awesome could be a sleeper. He finished a fast-closing third on the slop in his only United States start. He ran long distances in his races in France so he shouldn’t come up short.
Now let’s take a look at the real contenders. Bluegrass Cat had been on the short list of Derby contenders until he ran a clunker in the Bluegrass Stakes. Many got back on his wagon after his second-place finish on the first Saturday in May. The experts are saying that, like so many other horses, he disliked the surface at Keeneland, where he ran badly in the Bluegrass Stakes.
Bob and John has been working like a wild horse in preparation for the Belmont. He had a horrendous trip in the Derby. He could relax on or near the lead and be tough to run down.
It is hard for me to separate my top three horses.
Steppenwolfer always closes well and has been working really well leading up to the Belmont. He is considered by many to be the wise-guy selection.
Jazil was my Derby pick at long odds. He was coming on late and finished fourth. He will be far back early and running at the end when many of the others are gasping for air.
Sunriver seems to be peaking at the right time and has the services of Rafael Bejarano. I think he may be the better suited of Pletcher’s two horses to win the Belmont.
Horses whose names begin with B have won the first two legs of the Triple Crown. There are two entrants who could complete an all B Triple Crown — Bob and John and Bluegrass Cat.
My picks — Sunriver, Jazil, Steppenwolfer, Bob and John, Bluegrass Cat, Oh So Awesome, High Finance, Deputy Glitters, Sacred Light, Hemingway’s Key, Double Galore and Platinum Couple. Source: www.thevillagesdailysun.com

Belmont Stakes Facts:

2006-06-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

The Belmont Stakes was first run in 1867 for $2,500.00 at the Jerome Park Race Course in New York, and was originally a mile and five eights, but has also been run at a mile and one eighth and a mile and three eights before settling at a mile and a half in 1926
The first Belmont Stakes was won by a filly, Ruthless, who received $1,850.00; second place took $300.00 and an English racing saddle
The Belmont Stakes is known as the “Run for the Carnations” and was named after August Belmont Sr. who help finance Jerome Park
The first “post parade” in America was at the fifth running of the Belmont Stakes in 1871
The first Belmont Stakes to be run at Belmont Park was in May, 1905
Due to the passage of anti-betting legislation in New York State, Belmont Park was closed and there were no Belmont Stakes races in 1911 and 1912
Until 1921 the race was run clockwise in the tradition of English racing
From 1963 until 1967 the Belmont was run at Aqueduct while Belmont Park was undergoing reconstruction
Julie Crone became the first female jockey to ever win a Triple Crown race when she won the Belmont Stakes in 1993 aboard Colonial Affair
Two men have won the Belmont as both a jockey and as a trainer, James Rowe and George Martin Odom
Hall of Fame jockey Bob Ussery has the peculiar distinction in the Belmont, finishing dead last on Folk Dancer in 1962, Bonjour in 1963 and on Jade Amicol in 1968 though he did manage to interrupt the string by finishing next to last on Fleet Shoe in 1966
In 1973 Secretariat set the record for the Belmont and for the mile and a half on dirt that stills stands, his win by 31 lengths is the largest margin of victory in American Grade I Stakes history.
Source: www.americanchronicle.com

The Belmont Stakes, Triple Crown’s Third Jewel

2006-06-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

With both Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro and Preakness winner Bernardini out of the race, the 138th Belmont Stakes, horse racing’s final leg of the Triple Crown, appears to be up for grabs.
This year’s best prospect for the Triple Crown, Barbaro, is recovering from a life threating injury sustained in the Preakness. In 131 years of horse racing history 31 horses have gone to the starting gate with the Triple Crown on the line, but only 11 horses have managed to accomplish what is arguably the most difficult event in all of sports.
As the race that can make or break a Triple Crown champion, the Belmont Stakes has established itself as the ultimate test of championship stamina in this country. At a mile and a half, its distance is a rarity in American dirt races although it has been shortened from its original mile and five eights length. First run in 1867, it’s the oldest of the Triple Crown races and the fourth oldest Stakes race in North America behind the Phoenix Stakes (now Keeneland’s Phoenix Breeder’s Cup) in 1831, The Queen’s Plate (Canada) in 1860 and the Travers (Saratoga) in 1864.
Open to 3 year colts and geldings carrying 126 pounds and fillies carrying 121 pounds it truly deserves its soubriquet “the Test of the Champion” as few 3 year olds have the strength or stamina to maintain a winning speed across such a distance. Starting with Silver Charm in 1997 we’ve seen 6 horses enter the Belmont with the Triple Crown within reach, only to see them fall victim to this demanding race. In some cases, like 2004’s Smarty Jones, we’ve seen them end their careers here.
Even without the Triple Crown at stake, the Belmont is deserving of attention for its challenge and tradition, it part summed up by its trophy, a solid silver bowl and cover made by Tiffany & Co. Topped by a silver figure of 1869 Belmont winner Fenian the bowl is supported by three horses - Herod, Eclipse and Matchem, representing the respective superior grandsons of the three Foundation Sires of Thoroughbreds: the Byerly Turk, the Darley Arabian and the
Godolphin Barb. The trophy was presented by the Belmont family as a perpetual award for the Belmont Stakes in 1926 and the winning owner keeps the trophy for a year until the next Belmont Stakes winner is crowned.
In an era of athletes pumped up on steroids, rampant drug abuse and fixed games, horse racing has come to represent what is great and noble about athletic endeavor. For this year we can only applaud the Belmont winner, wish a speedy recovery and long life to Barbaro and wait for next year to cheer on a new Triple Crown contender.
The Triple Crown stands as the ultimate test of greatness and the Belmont Stakes is the final jewel in its crown.
Source: www.americanchronicle.com

Baffert believes Belmont good fit for Bob and John

2006-06-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

Bob and John galloped for the first time over the Belmont Park surface on Thursday morning, a track that trainer Bob Baffert believes the Seeking the Gold colt will enjoy when he starts in the $1-million Belmont Stakes (G1) on Saturday.
After a rough trip in the Kentucky Derby (G1) for Bob and John, Baffert believes the 1½-mile Belmont Park oval should prove a good fit for the colt.
"He's still like a young kid," Baffert said. "He doesn't want to get involved in a lot of jostling and he can't really stop and go yet."
Those weaknesses were revealed in the 20-horse Derby, where Baffert said Bob and John backed out of some tight racing early before finishing 17th in the 1¼-mile classic.
Baffert thinks the 12-horse field for the Belmont should spread out enough to allow Bob and John to deliver a performance similar to his winning effort in the Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) on April 8 at Aqueduct. In that start over a sloppy track, Bob and John tracked Keyed Entry, dueled with that rival in the stretch, and scored a 1½-length victory in the 1 1/8-mile race.
"He should be able to get into his race here," Baffert said. "I had Sarava after his Belmont win and he was like that, in that he could race at a high cruising speed."
John Adger, racing and bloodstock manager for owner-breeder Stonerside Stable, said Bob and John excels when he is able to quickly get into stride.
"We did have a troubled Derby trip. I hate to make excuses and I certainly think the best horse won that day, but we did have some trouble," Adger said. "Bob and John is at his best when he gets into his rhythm. He'll get an opportunity to do that on Saturday."
Bob and John flashed well defined muscles as he entered the sealed track for a gallop on Thursday morning.
"He has really changed in the last few weeks," Baffert said. "I think he has developed and he looks good."
While rain in the New York area stopped on Thursday, Baffert would not mind seeing a sloppy track on Saturday. Bob and John won the Sham Stakes (G3) on a fast track at Santa Anita Park and the Wood Memorial on a sloppy track.
Source: www.thoroughbredtimes.com

Bluegrass Cat Is Current Favorite For Saturday's Belmont Stakes

2006-06-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday's Belmont Stakes is the biggest race of the year in New York, but that's not all that's happening at the track.
A new medical clinic opened this week for workers, many of whom are new immigrants and don't have access to health care.
The clinic was recently refurbished by the New York Racing Association.
"Our organization provides services, mostly health, but also well-being services for the backstretch workers,” said Cate Dolan of the New York Racing Association. “Those are the grooms, the hot walkers, the exercise riders. And our most current activity was opening a refurbished clinic."
As for the race itself, it's a wide open field, because for just the second time in 36 years, neither the Kentucky Derby nor Preakness winner will be there. Derby winner Barbaro saw his racing career end at the Preakness when he broke three bones in his right rear leg and underwent surgery. Preakness winner Bernardini will not run after his owner said the colt deserves a break after running three races in quick succession.
Bluegrass Cat, the runner-up at the Derby, is the current favorite.
Source: www.ny1.com

Morning Line Goes to the Belmont Stakes

2006-06-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

Starting Thursday, June 8 and running daily through Belmont Stakes day, June 10, The Morning Line returns to bloodhorse.com. The feature, first unveiled during the run up to the Kentucky Derby and continued during the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the participants and players of Thoroughbred racing during racing's major events. Heading into the third and last leg of the Triple Crown, Evan Hammonds, managing editor of The Blood-Horse, will take readers in and around Belmont Park on Long Island. Without Derby winner Barbaro and Preakness winner Bernardini, a new classic winner will be crowned at "Big Sandy" Saturday afternoon following the "Test of a Champion."
While The Morning Line will be posted each morning leading up to the Belmont, the journal will be updated several times throughout the day with new entries. Comments, interviews, and observations will be posted from the expansive backstretch at Belmont Park, which includes Hammonds' favorite track kitchen -- The Morning Line; the grandstand and clubhouse of Belmont Park; and from special events in the New York City area.
Source: tcm.bloodhorse.com

Zito puts the buzz in Belmont Stakes

2006-06-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

Nick Zito did his best to put a positive spin on Saturday's $1 million Belmont Stakes.
Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro and Preakness winner Bernardini are not running, meaning no Triple Crown try, no rematch, no rivalry, no buzz.
But there was Zito, plugging away for the biggest race of the year in New York.
"It's a competitive field, an interesting field," the Hall of Fame trainer said Wednesday. "The favorite ran second in the Kentucky Derby, the second favorite won the Peter Pan and you have horses running around here and there and they are not running bad."
The last time the Derby and Preakness winners missed the Belmont was 2000, when Commendable won. Zito's Hemingway's Key is a 15-1 long shot in a 12-horse field with Derby runner-up Bluegrass Cat the morning-line favorite at 3-1.
Zito's horses have finished second six times at the Belmont, and his win came with Birdstone, who spoiled Smarty Jones' Triple Crown bid in 2004.
Source: seattlepi.nwsource.com

Not a smooth morning for Sacred Light

2006-06-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

Just as Deputy Glitters was about to start his work, Sacred Light was finishing his, a six-furlong move timed in 1:16.42 that did not go without a few hitches.
First, trainer David Hofmans was hoping to work at 7:30 a.m. with jockey Jose Espinoza, but Sacred Light tore off his right hind shoe late Monday afternoon and was re-shod on all four feet Tuesday morning. Espinoza was unable to work Sacred Light, so regular exercise rider Martin de Rubin was up.
Working immediately after the renovation break, Sacred Light encountered some traffic trouble during the move, as two horses who were working three furlongs broke off just in front of him. De Rubin had to wait on those horses and Sacred Light took some dirt in his face during the work. Clockers did credit Sacred Light with a final quarter in 24.40 seconds.
"The best part of the work was he was finishing down the lane and he galloped out strong," said Hofmans, who won the 1997 Belmont with Touch Gold. "I didn't care about the time, I just wanted him to get around that turn and I wanted him finishing a little bit, and that's about the way he works, so it was good. He looks like he needed the work. He was blowing pretty good."
Sacred Light, a son of Holy Bull, has yet to finish first in a race. He was put up to first by the stewards in a one-mile maiden race at Del Mar last summer. His best race was a second-place finish behind Brother Derek in the Santa Catalina.
Hofmans said he and owner John Amerman decided to come to the Belmont when Bernardini was declared from the race.
Source: www.saratogian.com

Belmont Stakes has rich history

2006-06-07T09:47:00.000-07:00

Saturday's Belmont Stakes is named for August Belmont, a financier and New York social leader who died in 1890 at age 74.
Born in Germany, he learned the banking business with the famous Rothschilds.
Belmont came to the United States at age 20 and began work on Wall Street.
He was chairman of the National Democratic Party, president of the American Jockey Club, and the financial backer of Jerome Park Race Track.
Belmont joined racing in the 1860's, a time when the sport needed a man of his stature since the Civil War had disrupted the sport.
The Belmont Stakes, first run in 1867 at Jerome Park, was created as an American equivalent of the English Derby, a race created in 1780.
Its first winner was Hall of Fame filly Ruthless, a New York-bred.
Belmont won the third edition of the Belmont Stakes with Fenian, also a New York-bred.
The Belmont family would go on to win the race with Hastings (1896), Masterman (1902), Friar Rock (1916), Hourless (1917) and Caveat (1983).
When Belmont died, his stable was sold for $639,000, a huge sum of money for that time, and much of his stock was purchased by his son August Belmont II.
He became the breeder of Man o'War, considered by some as the best horse ever produced in America.
The younger Belmont also bred Fair Play, the sire of Man o'War, and the great filly Beldame, winner of the Alabama Stakes.
He, along with William C. Whitney, J.P. Morgan, William K. Vanderbilt and others built Belmont Park, which opened in 1905.
Belmont Park is near the site of Hempstead Plains, the first race course built in America in 1665.
Belmont Park is the grandest track in American racing, with its main track oval of 1½ miles and inner turf courses that provide the fairest circumstances for racing.
By comparison, the main track at Saratoga is 1Þ miles, or three furlongs shorter than Belmont.
The Belmont Stakes has come to be known as the 'Test of the Champion,' a reference to its distance and record of producing great winners.
Since 1926, when the distance was fixed at 1½ miles, 41 of its winners became the division champion, most recently Afleet Alex in 2005.
That is more than 50 percent of the 80 runnings since 1926, a phenomenal statistic.
At one point, from 1951 through 1956, every Belmont Stakes winner was division champion, that group consisting of Counterpoint, One Count, Native Dancer, High Gun, Nashua and Needles.
On six occasions in its history, three or more Belmont Stakes winners in succession were also division champion.
So enjoy this great New York tradition on Saturday, and let's hope for an exciting contest.
And give a thought to the contributions of the Belmont family.
Source: www.saratogian.com

Deputy Glitters solid in last work

2006-06-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

After an unscheduled 15-day vacation, trainer Tom Albertrani was back at work Tuesday, overseeing the final preparations of Deputy Glitters for Saturday's $1 million Belmont Stakes.Albertrani, who on May 20 won the Preakness with Bernardini, was forced to serve a 15-day suspension from May 22 through Monday after one of his horses tested positive for the banned tranquilizer acepromazine on April 1. Albertrani spent three days in the Bahamas with his wife, Fonda, and their daughters, Teal and Noelle.
"I haven't had a family outing in years, so it was nice in a way, but under the circumstances you don't want to spend your days away like that," Albertrani said.
With rain in the forecast for Tuesday night into Wednesday, Albertrani moved up by one day Deputy Glitters's final workout. Under exercise Simon Harris, Deputy Glitters worked a solid five furlongs in 59.82 seconds, the fifth-fastest of 41 works at the distance over a fast Belmont main track. Daily Racing Form caught the final three furlongs of the work in 35.47 seconds. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.02.
"Super work," Albertrani said. "I had him 12 [second furlongs] all the way. He's always been a good work horse; you never really have to ask him to do much. When he's doing good he'll just take a hold of the bit and all you need to do is sit still on him. Like today, he was doing that pretty much on his own. Simon was just sitting on him, which was a good sign."
Deputy Glitters, who won the Tampa Bay Derby over probable Belmont Stakes favorite Bluegrass Cat, finished eighth in the Kentucky Derby. Albertrani said Deputy Glitters was farther back than he would have preferred in the Derby, and the wide trip he had may have made the difference between finishing fourth and eighth.
Source: horseracing.sportsline.com

Pletcher Pair, Bob and John Prep for Belmont

2006-06-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

While some trainers altered their plans Monday after unexpected overnight rainfall in New York, two Todd Pletcher-trained 3-year-olds completed their final preparations for Saturday's Belmont Stakes (gr. I).With retired Hall of Fame jockey Angel Cordero, Jr., aboard, Peter Pan Stakes (gr. II) winner Sunriver worked over the Belmont Park training track labeled "good" in company with stablemate Adieu, with Sunriver stopping the timer in 1:00 1/5 for five furlongs while galloping out six furlongs in 1:14.
Bluegrass Cat, runner-up in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), worked five furlongs over the training track in 1:01 3/5, with fractional splits of :13 2/5, :25 1/5, and :37 4/5. With jockey Eddie King aboard, the Storm Cat colt galloped out six furlongs in 1:14 4/5 and "pulled up" seven furlongs in 1:28 2/5.
On the West Coast, Wood Memorial (gr. I) winner Bob and John worked six furlongs in 1:12 1/5, fastest time of the day among the dozen horses working that distance at Santa Anita. The Stonerside Stable homebred son of Seeking the Gold has won four of 10 starts for trainer Bob Baffert.
Despite the off conditions at Belmont, Pletcher said he wanted to get the workouts completed Monday rather than waiting another day.
"They both worked really well," Pletcher said. "I was afraid to work Sunriver by himself this close to a big race. He has steadily improved every day we have had him. In January, February, and March we talked about him being our sleeper."
Concerning the circumstances under which Sunriver did not get to run in the Derby because his earnings in graded stakes did not rank him among the 20 allowed to run in the classic, Pletcher said it was a disappointing turn of events, although "it might have been a blessing in disguise. We got the perfect prep in the Peter Pan."
Sunriver, a Saint Ballado colt owned by Aaron and Marie Jones, has won three of seven starts and earned $281,400.
Of Bluegrass Cat's work, Pletcher said he did not want to do too much Monday. "He was well in hand and got enough out of it without overdoing it."
A homebred racing for WinStar Farm, Bluegrass Cat has won half of his eight career starts, including two graded stakes as a 2-year-old, while earning $561,520.
Two trainers who altered their training plans Monday due to track conditions were David Hofmans and Kiaran McLaughlin.
Hofmans postponed Sacred Light's workout until Tuesday, when the Amerman Racing Stable homebred son of Holy Bull is expected to breeze six furlongs.
McLaughlin said Shadwell Farm's Jazil, a son of Seeking the Gold, would now just be trained up to Saturday's 1 ½-mile Belmont.
Scheduled to work Wednesday is Joseph Lacombe homebred Deputy Glitters, a son of Deputy Commander who won the Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III) and ran eighth in the Kentucky Derby. Source: tcm.bloodhorse.com

Deputy Glitters, Sacred Light, High Finance in Final Belmont Works

2006-06-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

Three candidates for Saturday's Belmont Stakes (gr. I) had their final workouts Tuesday, with Deputy Glitters and Sacred Light working over the main track at Belmont Park and High Finance in action at Aqueduct.Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III) winner Deputy Glitters, went five furlongs in :59 4/5, sixth fastest time of the day among 47 working that distance, while California-based Sacred Light was timed in 1:16 2/5 for six furlongs, slowest of six workers at that distance. High Finance's time of 1:13 3/5 for six furlongs was the best for three horses working that distance at Aqueduct.
With trainer Tom Albertrani back on the scene on the first day since sitting out a 15-day suspension, Deputy Glitters went to the track under exercise rider Simon Harris shortly after the track reopened following the maintenance break.
Albertrani said the workout by the son of Deputy Commander was just what he wanted as he timed the colt in "12s" for each eighth of a mile of the work. "That is what you like to see going into a race like the Belmont," Albertrani said.
The work was initially scheduled for Wednesday but Albertrani moved it up since there is an 80% chance of rain in the New York area Wednesday.
A homebred for Joseph Lacombe Stables, Deputy Glitters has won two of eight starts while earning $205,548. In his most recent effort he finished eighth in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).
Sacred light, meanwhile, was originally scheduled to work at 7:30 under jockey Jose Espinoza. Plans changed for the son of Holy Bull as farrier Ray Amato, Jr., was called in to replace a shoe damaged when Sacred Light kicked a wall in his stall Monday.
After Amato completely re-shod the colt, he went to the track at 8:30, with exercise rider Martin DeRubin aboard. During the breeze, two other horses hooked up with Sacred Light, who completed his work while on the inside of the track closest to the rail.
"I was glad it happened," trainer David Hofmans said of the unplanned work in company. "He got a lot of dirt in his face and he ran through it. The best part of the work was that he was finishing down the lane and he galloped out strong. I didn't care about the time. I just wanted him to get around that turn and I wanted him finishing well. This is about the way he always works. He looks like he needed the work because he was blowing pretty good."
Sacred Light's sole victory in seven starts came via the disqualification of the first-place finisher in a maiden special at Del Mar last August. The Amerman Racing Stables homebred ran second in the Santa Catalina (gr. II) and was third to Belmont contender Bob and John in the Sham Stakes (gr. III).
Trained by Richard Violette for owner West Point Stable, High Finance broke his maiden at Keeneland on April 15 in his fourth career start. The son of Talk Is Money followed with a five-length romp in allowance company at a mile over Belmont Park's main track. Source: tcm.bloodhorse.com

Steve Haskin's Belmont Report: Who Needs a Triple Crown Winner?

2006-06-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

With each failed Triple Crown attempt comes an outcry from racing fans and horsemen that the structure of the Triple Crown needs changing. If it is the horses' safety and longevity that is the impetus for their comments, then no one can take issue with them. If, however, it is based on the fact that we have gone 28 years without a Triple Crown winner and racing desperately needs a horse to finally win all three races, that's a different matter.
Who says racing needs a Triple Crown winner? Yes, it will result in immortality for one horse and his connections, but for the sport, it will only be a brief high. The long-range effect could have an opposite reaction. So, we finally have a Triple Crown winner. Now what? Will mainstream America care any longer when a horse attempts to sweep the Triple Crown or will they say, "Well, it's been done, so it's no big deal anymore." As long as it seems an improbable, almost unattainable, quest, people will flock to Belmont Park hoping to be there when it is finally accomplished. Everyone wants to be a part of history.

Following the Triple Crown sweeps of Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and Affirmed from 1973-'78, was there really that much buzz over Spectacular Bid's attempt in '79 or had people become blasé about it and were expecting it to happen again?

The Boston Red Sox, who for almost a century had taken on an almost mystical persona, finally ended one of the most publicized droughts and "curses" in American sports history. Their fans went wild in disbelief and celebrated for a week or so, and then they came to the stark realization that their beloved losers, the victims of the dreaded "Curse of the Bambino," were now just another team that won the World Series, along with the Florida Marlins, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Their quest was over; they no longer were special.

So, while it is important to have a horse trying for the Triple Crown, it is the sizzle that brings over 100,000 fans to Belmont Park, not the steak. Once the steak is consumed it is quickly forgotten.

Sure, we can knock this year's running of the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) because the winners of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness (gr. I) are not in the field, and there is only one grade I winner pointing for the race. But who's to say another major star will not emerge from the race, just as Barbaro and Bernardini emerged from their classic triumphs? After several years of having one standout (occasionally two) in the Belmont field, what's wrong with having a deep, competitive field and a great betting race?

Instead of people asking all day, "So, will Smarty Jones do it?" they can utter racing's newest slogan all day: "Who do you like?"

Speaking of "who do you like," all those who believe in history repeating itself can grab on to an exacta right now.

The last time the Belmont did not have the winners of the Derby and the Preakness was in 2000.

The exacta that year was: Commendable (the 17th-place finisher in the Derby) over Aptitude (the runner-up in the Derby who skipped the Preakness and was the favorite in the Belmont).

If you're looking for an historical angle, it shouldn't take you too long to figure out that this year's exacta will be Bob and John (the 17th-place finisher in the Derby) over Bluegrass Cat (the runner-up in the Derby who skipped the Preakness and likely will be the favorite in the Belmont).

Stretching it a bit, if you want to go for a trifecta, you can always add Steppenwolfer, a son of Aptitude, for third, completing the parallels between the two runnings.

If you happen to be looking for any kind of class angle on former European Oh So Awesome, in his last start in Europe, he finished fifth, beaten nine lengths, in an allowance race at Longchamp. Finishing second, 7 1/2 lengths in front of him, was Darsi, who won Sunday's Group I Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby).

If you're looking for a horse that is bred to love a mile and a half at Belmont, High Finance's paternal grandsire, Deputy Minister, sired Belmont winner Touch Gold; his paternal great-grandsire, Gone West, sired Belmont winner Commendable; his broodmare sire, Conquistador Cielo, won the Belmont by 14 lengths; and his maternal great-grandsire, Vanlandingham, won the 1 1/2-mile Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I).
Source: tcm.bloodhorse.com

Albertrani targets another classic with Deputy Glitters

2006-06-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

Trainer Tom Albertrani took the webbing from Bernardini's stall at Pimlico Race Course home with him to Belmont Park and hung it in his office to commemorate the Darley homebred's win in the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 20.
The webbing displays the Preakness Stakes (G1) logo and what is supposed to be Bernardini's name, but the second "r" is missing, a sign of how far beneath radar Albertrani and Bernardini were while Barbaro commanded the spotlight before the Preakness.
Bernardini and Barbaro will both be absent from the $1-million Belmont Stakes (G1) on Saturday, but Albertrani may have another sleeper in Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner Deputy Glitters, who will be making his first start since finishing eighth in the Kentucky Derby (G1) at odds of 60.60-to-1, the longest price in the 20-horse field.
The Deputy Commander colt swung 11-wide at the top of the lane in the Derby.
"We were farther back [early] than we were hoping to be," Albertrani said on Tuesday after Deputy Glitters worked five furlongs in :59.82 over the Belmont main track . "We had three horses beat going into the first turn and came with a run. He was 11-wide and ended up finishing eighth and running a pretty good race considering the circumstances. He passed horses at the end and was still closing even though he went so wide, so I thought he finished well.
"Jazil was inside and we were right alongside of him at the half-mile pole," Albertrani continued. "Jazil went on the rail—and we went [outside]—and ended up finishing fourth, and that shows you what a difference it makes, because we were both making our move at the same time."
Tuesday was Albertrani's first day back at Belmont after serving a 15-day suspension for a medication violation. His ban began on May 22, two days after the Preakness, and ended on Monday.
Albertrani used part of his time off to get away to the Bahamas for three days with his wife, Fonda, and two daughters.
"We enjoyed it," Albertrani said. "Other than that, I pretty much stayed around and got caught up on some other things. In one way, I guess I could have used it, but on the other hand you don't like to take it under those kind of circumstances. Everything was under control here."
The Brooklyn native thinks Deputy Glitters deserves more respect than the betting public has displayed for the colt. He said too much emphasis has been placed on Deputy Glitters's poor performance over sloppy tracks in the Champagne (G1) and Wood Memorial (G1) Stakes.
"We know he doesn't handle a sloppy track," Albertrani said. "He was [63.40-to-1 when he finished second to Bluegrass Cat in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa] and 60-to-1 in the Derby. If you throw out the Wood Memorial and Champagne, he's not that far behind Bluegrass Cat."
Deputy Glitters won the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) by two lengths over Bluegrass Cat, who went on to finish second in the Kentucky Derby and is the likely favorite for the Belmont.
Albertrani said Bernardini is in the midst of a bit of a break before he targets the Jim Dandy (G2) on July 29 and Travers (G1) Stakes on August 26, both at Saratoga Race Course.
"He's doing super," Albertrani said. "We're letting him get a little down time now and just gallop. We're not going to do any kind of work with him for another week or so. We'll let him relax and put some weight on him and get a little 'r and r' like I did."
Source: www.thoroughbredtimes.com

No Cause to Believe in Belmont Stakes

2006-06-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said Thursday that Cause to Believe would not run in the Belmont Stakes on June 10 at Belmont Park. Hollendorfer had considered running his gray colt in the third leg of the Triple Crown after a fine 1-mile workout in 1:39.80 Monday at Bay Meadows.
"The owners (Peter Redekop and Peter Abruzzo) and I talked over all the options and decided the best thing to do is keep him on the West Coast instead of shipping him all the way back again," Hollendorfer said.
The Belmont Stakes would have been the third long trip for Cause to Believe in two months. He finished third in the Illinois Derby on April 8 at Hawthorne Park and 13th in the Kentucky Derby on May 6 at Churchill Downs and returned to the Bay Area after each race.
"We're looking at the Affirmed Handicap (on June 17) and the Swaps Stakes (on July 8) at Hollywood Park and beyond that at some races at Del Mar," Hollendorfer said.
Cause to Believe, who has six wins, three seconds and a third in 11 starts, was Hollendorfer's second Kentucky Derby starter. The other, Eye of the Tiger, finished fifth in the 2003 Derby and then won the Affirmed Handicap and dead-heated for third in the Swaps Stakes.
Eleven 3-year-olds headed by Bluegrass Cat, Steppenwolfer, Jazil and Sunriver remain under consideration for the Belmont. Bluegrass Cat ran second, Steppenwolfer third and Jazil a dead-heat for fourth in the Kentucky Derby, and Sunriver won the Peter Pan Stakes on May 20 at Belmont Park.
Briefly: Trickey Trevor drew the inside post position and Carthage the outside when entries were taken for Sunday's Grade 3, $125,000 Bay Meadows Breeders' Cup Sprint. In between are No. 2 Areyoutalkintome, No. 3 Peak a Bootrando and No. 4 Bonfante. ... Lost in the Fog drew the No. 5 post against six opponents in the Grade 3, $150,000 Aristides Breeders' Cup Handicap on Saturday at Churchill Downs. ... Victorina, Lost in the Fog's stablemate, drew No. 6 against eight other 3-year-old fillies in the Grade 3, $150,000 Dogwood Breeders' Cup Stakes also Saturday at Churchill Downs.
Source: sfgate.com

Velazquez a winner in return to races

2006-06-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

Jockey John Velazquez marked his return to the races by winning one at Belmont Park on Friday.
Velazquez won the fourth race at Belmont aboard favorite Mr Sam I Am, a 3-year-old gelding trained by Todd Pletcher. It was Velazquez's first race since being sidelined with a cracked right shoulder blade and bruised ribs following a frightening spill at Keeneland in April.
The two-time Eclipse Award winner originally was scheduled to return aboard Scat Daddy in Friday's third race at Monmouth in Oceanport, N.J., but the 2-year-old colt was scratched and entered in Saturday's second race at Belmont.
Velazquez, the regular rider for Pletcher, plans to ease back into shape with two or three mounts per day and will be aboard Bluegrass Cat in the $1 million Belmont Stakes next Saturday. Bluegrass Cat, with Ramon Dominguez subbing, finished second behind Barbaro in the Kentucky Derby in his last start.
Among the nation's top riders, Velazquez was hurt when Up an Octave collapsed and rolled over the jockey after winning the Forerunner Stakes on April 20.
On Thursday, Velazquez said, "I am fit, but when it comes to races you have to be stronger than that. That is why I'm starting right now. ... I'm confident I'll be ready. I'll definitely be 100 percent by then."Source: sports.espn.go.com

Turf horse will take a shot at Belmont Stakes

2006-06-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

Barry Irwin and his Team Valor ownership syndicate has had a modicum of success in the Belmont Stakes. In 1992, Team Valor finished second behind A.P. Indy with My Memoirs. In 1998, Team Valor and Earle Mack co-owned Thomas Jo, who finished third behind Victory Gallop and Real Quiet. A third Team Valor horse, Dr Greenfield, finished last in 2001.
This year, Irwin and Team Valor are back again with Oh So Awesome, a son of Awesome Again who spent most of his career racing on turf in Europe. In his North American debut, Oh So Awesome finished third in the off-the-turf Match the Hatch Stakes over a sloppy Belmont track, a performance encouraging enough for him to earn a spot in the field for the $1 million Belmont Stakes on June 10.
The Belmont field, which will lack both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, lost one prospective starter on Thursday, when trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said Cause to Believe would not ship from northern California. That reduced the field to 11 probable starters.
On Thursday, Oh So Awesome worked seven furlongs in 1:27.86 over the Belmont main track. He worked in company with Mumble Jumble, a 6-year-old turf horse. Trainer Jimmy Jerkens said Oh So Awesome galloped out a mile in 1:41, and he was pleased with how the horse went.
"I didn't expect him to work a mile in 1:38. He's not the kind of horse that's going to do that," said Jerkens, who also trained Thomas Jo. "He didn't do any more than he had to. I think he got a lot out of it. He's kind of a horse a little on the small side. There's no extra flesh on him. We'll have a chance to come back and give him a little bit of a blowout next week."
Regarding the Belmont, Jerkens said that, aside from Bluegrass Cat and Sunriver, "I think it is pretty wide open."
Oh So Awesome caught Irwin's attention because he was a son of Awesome Again who ran effectively on the turf in Europe.
"Awesome Again is strictly a dirt sire. He's useless as a turf sire," Irwin said. "This horse had shown enough on the turf already. We knew he could run long and was sound, and we figured if this horse moved up over here on the dirt he'd be a viable Belmont [Stakes] horse."
Irwin's original plan was to keep Oh So Awesome in Europe with trainer Jean-Claude Rouget and ship him here right on top of the Belmont. Irwin did that in 1992 with My Memoirs. He tried it again in 2001 with Dr Greenfield, but Dr Greenfield became fractious at the starting gate and was never a factor, finishing last behind Point Given.
Irwin said Rouget told him he thought it would be a good idea to ship Oh So Awesome to America early.
"The guy bailed on us is what happened," Irwin said.
Irwin then had planned to run Oh So Awesome in a second-level allowance race on May 19, but that race didn't fill. Instead, Jerkens entered Oh So Awesome as a main-track-only entrant in the Match the Hatch, hoping the race would come off the turf. It did, and Oh So Awesome rallied along the rail to finish third.
"I think his race the other day was surprisingly good for us, because he had never been on that kind of track," Irwin said. "He was on the deepest part of the goo down the stretch. He had a long stride, and he kept coming."
Mike Smith, who is winless with 10 Belmont mounts, will ride Oh So Awesome in the race.
Source: sports.espn.go.com

Belmont contenders Oh So Awesome, Hemingway's Key turn in works

2006-06-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

Team Valor Stables's Oh So Awesome breezed seven furlongs in 1:27.84, the best of three timed works as that distance, on Thursday at Belmont Park in preparation for an expected start in the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 10.
"It wasn't spectacular; he's not that kind of horse, but he did just about what I expected him to do," trainer Jimmy Jerkens said.
The bay Awesome Again colt finished third in the Match the Hatch Stakes over a sloppy track at Belmont on May 19 in his North American debut. Oh So Awesome recorded one win, two seconds, and one third in six starts in France
"All I know is that Team Valor brought this horse over to run in the Belmont," Jerkens said. "I thought his last race was a good one, and I think he can move forward off it. I mean, I think that Todd Pletcher has the two most accomplished horses in the field [Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Bluegrass Cat and Grade 2 winner Sunriver], but other than that, I think it is pretty wide open."
Preakness Stakes (G1) third-place finisher Hemingway's Key breezed five furlongs in 1:01.29, third-fastest of nine timed works at the distance, over the Oklahoma training surface at Saratoga Race Course.
Source: www.thoroughbredtimes.com

Jockey Velazquez Says He Will Be '100%' By Belmont Day

2006-06-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

Two-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey John Velazquez, who will ride in his first race Friday since recovering from an injuries suffered at Keeneland in April, says he will be at full strength by June 10 when he rides WinStar Farm's Bluegrass Cat in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I).Velazquez suffered a cracked right shoulder blade and broken ribs when Vinery Stables' Up an Octave broke down while galloping out after the finish of Keeneland's 1 3/16-mile Forerunner Stakes. The 3-year-old colt, who rolled over on the jockey, was euthanized after suffering a compound fracture in his left front leg.
Initially, Velazquez was not expected to return to competition until late June or early July.
With jockey Ramon Dominguez substituting for Velazquez in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), the Todd Pletcher-trained Bluegrass Cat finished second, 6 1/2 lengths behind the now-injured Barbaro.
Speaking Thursday during a National Thoroughbred Racing Association teleconference, Velazquez said his recovery progressed much quicker than he and his doctors initially anticipated and that he is now fit enough to ride one or two horses a day as he builds up his strength over the next week leading up to the Belmont.
"I am fit, but when it comes to races you have to be stronger than that," the rider said. "That is why I am starting right now. I am fit enough to ride one or two races (daily) but not a full card. Definitely by next week I will be 100%."
In his first mount back, Velazquez is scheduled to ride the Pletcher-trained 2-year-old Scat Daddy in the third race at Monmouth Park on Friday. Velazquez said the colt was pre-entered in maiden races at both Belmont Park and Monmouth Park, but the Belmont race did not fill. So, he is making his comeback at Monmouth Park.
Unable to do much except spend time with his family while injured, Velazquez said his recovery was enhanced by regular massage therapy and weekly acupuncture treatments.
"My body responded very good," Velazquez said, noting that as his shoulder improved he began to move his arm and then began to run on his treadmill. It was not long before he committed to riding horses in the mornings and then realized he could probably be back in time for the Belmont.
In describing the accident on Up an Octave, Velazquez said he remained conscious the entire time and was aware of everything that happened as the horse rolled over his back.
"It felt like he broke me in half. I knew I was hurt bad but I didn't know what was wrong with me at the time," Velazquez recalled
Velazquez said riding in the Belmont at 1 1/2 miles will not pose any greater stress on his body than riding in races at lesser distances. In fact, the jockey said riding in longer races takes less out of a jockey than does a short race.
"It is probably a little easier going mile and a half than going three quarters (of a mile). Going a mile and a half, they are going pretty easy and you don't have to do much. You just wait until your horse is comfortable."
Velazquez said he does not expect Bluegrass Cat to be far off the early pace in the Belmont, but he is not concerned about where the colt is positioned.
"I am really confident in this horse and it doesn't matter where he runs," Velazquez said. Source: tcm.bloodhorse.com

Process of elimination for the Belmont Stakes

2006-06-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

No Kentucky Derby winner. No Preakness Stakes winner. No Santa Anita Derby winner. And no Blue Grass Stakes winners. Even though a nice size field will run in the Belmont Stakes, most of the best known three-year-olds are missing.
Skipping the third jewel in racing's Triple Crown will be the first finishers in the Preakness Stakes. Hemingway's Key is the highest placed horse from the Baltimore race. He finished more than 11 lengths behind Bernardini.
The fact that Bernardini is being held out of the Belmont is a disgrace. His connections have a chance at securing the top spot among this year's three- year-olds. A win by Bernardini in the Belmont Stakes would have given the colt the inside track to eventually being named division champion.
The top colts and geldings set to run in the Belmont Stakes are Wood Memorial winner Bob and John, the Wood runner-up Jazil, Kentucky Derby second place horse Bluegrass Cat and the Steppenwolfer who was third in the Run for the Roses.
While the Belmont Stakes is the longest of the Triple Crown events at 1 1/2 miles, speed is a key component in winning. Of the those expected to start Bob and John appears to be the only true speed horse.
Bob and John came into the Kentucky Derby off a solid victory in the Wood Memorial where he stalked the leader took the lead at the top of the stretch and won handily.
Trained by Bob Baffert, Bob and John should be able to control the pace in the Belmont. Veteran jockey Garrett Gomez guided the colt to the win in the Wood Memorial. Let's throw out the Kentucky Derby as simply a bad race.
Jazil finished second to Bob and John in the Wood Memorial with a late rush. He also finished in a dead-heat with Brother Derek for fourth place in the Kentucky Derby. His late running style doesn't normally work in the Belmont Stakes.
Bluegrass Cat disappointed a lot of people when he was fourth in the Blue Grass Stakes and went off at 30-1 in the Kentucky Derby. Before Churchill Downs, he was favored to win four straight starts and five of his first six starts. Because finished a well beaten second to Barbaro it is difficult to know if he woke up in that race.
Steppenwolfer has been in the money in all but one of his nine career starts. He is also a late running thoroughbred who has shown more ability than Jazil. Steppenwolfer is still trying for his first stakes victory. He is the type of horse that can get the 1 1/2 miles if Bob and John is engaged in a speed duel.
Without any of the big names running in the Belmont Stakes casual horseplayers will either stay away from the race or bet lightly. Good prices should be available from a less than stellar field.
Bob and John should go off at odds between 5-1 and 8-1. He will be the horse to beat.
Source: www.sportsnetwork.com

Belmont Stakes 101

2006-06-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

The final jewel of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, is not only the longest of the three races at one and a half miles but also the oldest. The grueling distance can make or break a horse and is one of the truest tests of stamina in racing. Thirty horses have entered the Belmont with a chance to become a Triple Crown winner, but only eleven have succeeded. The inaugural running of the Belmont Stakes was in 1867 at Jerome Park Racecourse, making it the oldest of all the Triple Crown Races. It was named after prominent banker and Jockey Club president August Belmont. Only four horses went to post in that first Belmont and the winner was a filly named Ruthless, one of only two fillies to have won the marathon race. Since then the Belmont has been responsible for quite a few firsts in racing.
The American tradition of the "post parade" was introduced to American racing in the 1880 Belmont. The first, and so far only, Triple Crown race to be won by a female jockey was the 1993 Belmont won by Colonial Affair with Julie Krone aboard. In 1973, Secretariat set a track and world record of 2:24 for the mile and a half with his 31-length victory, a record that still stands today. The Belmont Stakes can vary from a huge frenzy to quite laid back, depending on whether there is a Triple Crown possibility or not. If there is a horse going for the hat trick, the time leading up to the race can be total madness with media from all over the world coming to witness the possible coronation of the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. The atmosphere will be much more relaxed if there is only a Derby winner, Preakness winner, or both in the race, and becomes almost a non-event if neither of those shows up. Fan interest seems to follow along these same lines, although there is always strong participation in wagering on the event.
Source: horseracing.about.com

Sweetnorthernsaint to skip Belmont

2006-06-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

Sweetnorthernsaint, who was the beaten favorite in the Kentucky Derby and runner-up in the Preakness Stakes, will skip the final leg of the Triple Crown, the June 10 Belmont Stakes, his trainer, Mike Trombetta, said Wednesday.
As a result, no horse in this year's Triple Crown will have competed in all three legs. Twenty horses ran in the Derby, but only three came back in the Preakness. Barbaro, the Derby winner, suffered career-ending injuries in the Preakness. Brother Derek, who was fourth in the Preakness after finishing in a dead heat for fourth in the Derby, has returned to California and is being freshened.
"We don't want to overdo it," Trombetta said. "Now seems like the right time to take half a step back."
Trombetta said Sweetnorthernsaint would be pointed to the Haskell Invitational or West Virginia Derby in August, with a prep in July.
Source: sports.espn.go.com

Belmont Stakes Taking Shape

2006-06-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here are the expected starters for the Belmont Stakes on June 10 at Belmont Park. Jockey Ramon Dominguez rode Bluegrass Cat to a second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby behind Barbaro, but regular jockey John Velazquez, who broke a shoulder and cracked a rib in a spill at Keeneland on April 20, has been working the colt out in the morning for trainer Todd Pletcher.
Horse Trainer Jockey
Bluegrass Cat Todd Pletcher John Velazquez
Bob and John Bob Baffert Garrett Gomez
Deputy Glitters Tom Albertrani Edgar Prado
Hemingway's Key Nick Zito Jeremy Rose
High Finance Rick Violette Eibar Coa
Jazil Kiaran McLaughlin Fernando Jara
Oh So Awesome Jim Jerkens Mike Smith
Platinum Couple Joe Lostritto Jose Espinoza
Sacred Light David Hofmans Victor Espinoza
Steppenwolfer Dan Peitz Robby Albarado
Sunriver Todd Pletcher Rafael Bejarano
Source: www.philly.com

Bob and John in Sharp Drill for Belmont Stakes

2006-05-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

Stonerside Stable's Bob and John, winner of the Wood Memorial (gr. I), turned in a sharp work at Santa Anita Wednesday in preparation for the June 10 Belmont Stakes (gr. I). Clockers timed the colt six furlongs in 1:12 1/5, but trainer Bob Baffert said he went seven furlongs in 1:24 3/5."The track was really dead today, so this was a very good work," Baffert said. "He was supposed to break off with a workmate, but she got the jump on him and opened up eight lengths. He caught her at the sixteenth pole and went right on by. He came home real strong and got a lot out of the work. That's now two good works in a row for him.
"The mile and a half will suit his running style, and he's bred to get the distance. The Kentucky Derby (Presented by Yum! Brands-gr. I) was a disaster. Garrett (Gomez) wasn't aggressive enough early, and they put the squeeze on him. That race was a throw-out."
Bob and John finished 17th in the Derby. The Equibase comments read: "Bumped at the start by Showing Up, then steadied soon after and bumped again when Barbaro leaned in..."
With Gomez, who will again ride the son of Seeking the Gold in the Belmont, currently in New York, Victor Espinoza was aboard for the work.
Baffert said Bob and John will ship to Belmont Park next Wednesday, and he plans on arriving the same day.
Baffert has won the Belmont with Point Given in 2001, and was narrowly beaten with Silver Charm in 1997 and Real Quiet in '98, when both colts were attempting to sweep the Triple Crown.
Source: tcm.bloodhorse.com

Prado picks up mount on Deputy Glitters

2006-05-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

Edgar Prado, who won the Kentucky Derby aboard Barbaro, has picked up the mount on Deputy Glitters for the $1 million Belmont Stakes on June 10.
Prado, who was aboard Barbaro when that horse suffered three fractures in his right hind ankle in the Preakness, has won the Belmont twice. In 2002, he ended the Triple Crown hopes of War Emblem aboard Sarava. In 2004, he denied the Triple Crown bid of Smarty Jones aboard Birdstone.
Deputy Glitters, who finished eighth in the Kentucky Derby, worked five furlongs in 1:01.84 over Belmont's main track on Monday morning. Exercise rider Simon Harris was aboard for the work.
The Belmont field picked up another runner on Monday as trainer Rick Violette said High Finance would run. High Finance, owned by West Point Thoroughbred, worked one mile in 1:38.49 Sunday at Belmont Park after vanning over from Aqueduct.
Bluegrass Cat worked five furlongs in 1:00.30 Sunday morning at Belmont.
As of Monday, there were 11 confirmed runners for the Belmont: With riders, they are: Bluegrass Cat (John Velazquez), Bob and John (Garrett Gomez), Deputy Glitters (Edgar Prado), Hemingway's Key (Jeremy Rose), High Finance (Eibar Coa), Jazil (Fernando Jara), Oh So Awesome (Mike Smith), Platinum Couple (Jose Espinoza), Sacred Light (Victor Espinoza), Steppenwolfer (Robby Albarado), and Sunriver (Rafael Bejarano).
Source: sports.espn.go.com

Belmont contenders

2006-05-31T08:41:00.000-07:00

Horses pointing for the 138th Belmont at Belmont Park on June 10.
HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY LAST RACE
Bluegrass Cat T. Pletcher J. Velazquez 2nd, Ky. Derby
Bob and John B. Baffert G. Gomez 17th, Ky. Derby
Deputy Glitters T. Albertrani E. Prado 8th, Ky. Derby
Hemingway's Key N. Zito J. Rose 3rd, Preakness
High Finance R. Violette E. Coa 1st, Bel allowance
Jazil K. McLaughlin F. Jara 4th*, Ky. Derby
Oh So Awesome J. Jerkens M. Smith 3rd, Match the Hatch
Platinum Couple J. Lostritto J. Espinoza 6th, Preakness
Sacred Light D. Hofmans V. Espinoza 2nd, CD allowance
Steppenwolfer D. Peitz R. Albarado 3rd, Ky. Derby
Sunriver T. Pletcher R. Bejarano 1st, Peter Pan
Also Possible
Cause to Believe J. Hollendorfer R. Baze 13th, Ky. Derby
Sweetnorthernsaint M. Trombetta K. Desormeaux 2nd, Preakness
* - Dead heat
Courtesy of Daily Racing Form

Is the Triple Crown losing its luster?

2006-05-31T08:26:00.000-07:00

Though not nearly as calamitous as Barbaro's breakdown in the Preakness, the defection of Bernardini from the Belmont Stakes was a troubling and damaging blow to horse racing that raises myriad issues about the sport, the Triple Crown and a mind-set among owners and trainers that it is better not to run than to run.
Most of the air came out of the Belmont Stakes the minute Barbaro took his first awkward step in the Preakness, vanquishing hopes of a Triple Crown winner. Then Bernardini finished the race off. Had he come back for the Belmont, the race could have at least showcased the horse who might just be Barbaro's successor as sport's most exciting 3-year-old. Though few noticed, he turned in a powerful performance in the Preakness, earning a Beyer number (113) that surpassed Barbaro's Kentucky Derby figure (111). Instead, the final leg of the Triple Crown is a meaningless event with a starless field.
Bernardini has raced just four times in his life and three times since March 4. It wasn't that long ago that conventional wisdom would have dictated that he all but had to come back in a race as prestigious as the Belmont. With such a light schedule, he would have been viewed as a horse who had yet to peak and was so fresh and rested that he would have an advantage over rivals perhaps worn down by the Triple Crown grind.
Over the last 10 years or so, conventional wisdom has been turned upside down. The Darley team maintains that Bernardini, pampered as he has been, needs some rest.
"Bernardini has had three races in quick succession and Sheikh Mohammed feels that the colt deserves a break before his next target, which will be determined in due course," Jimmy Bell, president of Darley USA, said in a statement. "Therefore, he will not contest the June 10 Belmont Stakes. Given the fact that Bernardini only broke his maiden in March and won a Grade I race in May, we feel that he climbed the ladder of competition quite quickly. Having said that, we believe he deserves a break."
That someone with a perfectly healthy, potentially dominant horse would walk away from a Triple Crown race had to happen sooner or later. Believing that the modern breed is too fragile to stand up to any kind of strenuous schedule, most trainers and owners are reluctant to race their good horses more than four or five times a year and they want at least six weeks between races. You can't coddle a horse and at the same time run them in the Triple Crown, at least not in all three races.
Even the economics no longer work in the favor of the Triple Crown, especially when the Belmont is only worth $1 million. Bernardini would have had a lousy group of Belmont opponents over a barrel and likely would have won easily, to earn Sheikh Mohammed about $600,000. That's about one-tenth what he made for winning this year's Dubai World Cup with Electrocutionist.
It's also a small fraction of what the horse is worth as a sire. As far as his value as a stallion goes, he's already well over the hump. Because he is a Grade I winner by a top sire (A.P. Indy), he could be retired tomorrow and still be worth $20 million. Why worry about a $600,000 payday that will do little, if anything, for the horse's stud value?
Unfortunately, the Bernardini decision cannot be dismissed as an isolated incident. Rather, it's no doubt a precursor of decisions to come.
No one will ever pass the Kentucky Derby. The race is too prestigious and it adds many millions to a horse's value as a sire. But the Preakness and Belmont are in trouble. Reluctant to run their horses back quickly or race them too often, more and more connections of top horses are going to pass these races. Should Sweeetnorthernsaint skip the Belmont, not a single horse will have run in all three Triple Crown legs this year. With things getting worse all the time, we might not be too far away from the point where a Kentucky Derby winner doesn't run back in the Preakness.
Racing can't afford that. The Triple Crown is the one event in the sport that still resonates with the general public and receives substantial coverage from the media. With a weakened Preakness and Belmont, the Triple Crown won't be the same. Unfortunately, there are no obvious solutions to the problem. As for Bernardini, he will likely make two or three more starts and then be retired to stud after the Breeders' Cup. What a shame.
Source: sports.espn.go.com

Barbaro and Prado reunited

2006-05-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro and jockey Edgar Prado got reacquainted Tuesday morning at the New Bolton Center, where the colt is recovering from a life-threatening injury suffered at the Preakness Stakes.
Prado came down from New York to personally see for himself how his former mount has been doing. The veteran jockey was so upset about what happened at the Preakness Stakes that he did not talk publicly for several days.
"I definitely feel a lot better," said Prado on Tuesday. "I'm still heart-broken, but seeing him doing better helps a lot."
Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery at the New Bolton Center, gave an update on Barbaro's condition and said the three-year-old "has had an incredibly good week.
"At the very best he'll have a hitch in his giddyup," stated Richardson about Barbaro's future condition. "He will not be quite right, but there are lots of horses that can walk, trot, canter, gallop, spin around and somewhat importantly mount a mare. All those things that you use your hind legs for."
Barbaro, of course, underwent a major procedure a few hours after severely injuring his right hind leg during the opening yards of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 20.
Source: www.sportsnetwork.com

PLETCHER IS BANKING ON PAIR

2006-05-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

Trainer Todd Pletcher, still in search of his elusive first win in a Triple Crown race, could have his best chance ever in the June 10 Belmont Stakes, when he'll saddle a pair of colts, Bluegrass Cat and Sunriver, who figure to be among the top three or four betting choices. "The defections of Barbaro and Bernardini have certainly changed the complexion of the race," Pletcher said. "Both horses are doing very well, and we're optimistic."
Bluegrass Cat, winner of last year's Nashua and Remsen, spent the winter and spring as one of the top-ranked contenders for the Kentucky Derby. But after finishing a distant fourth in the Blue Grass Stakes, Bluegrass Cat was dismissed in the Derby at 30-1. He ran back to his old form, however, to be second.
"He ran big," said Pletcher. "He was like a lot of horses that didn't seem to take to the Keeneland track and improved at Churchill. At little improvement off the Derby, and we'll be tough."

Bluegrass Cat breezed five furlongs yesterday at Belmont in 1:00.1. After being ridden in the Derby by Ramon Dominguez, who was subbing for regular rider John Velazquez after he broke his collarbone in an April 20 spill at Keeneland, Bluegrass Cat will likely be reunited with Johnny V. for the Belmont.
"I'm just trying to get fit," said Velazquez, who is back exercising horses and expects to begin riding races again this week. "I'm doing better than I thought I'd be doing at this point. I was jogging and doing physical therapy before I started getting on horses again. I just need to get a little more strength in my back and we'll go from there."
Sunriver, winner of the Peter Pan at Belmont on May 20, will be ridden by Rafael Bejarano.
At Hollywood Park yesterday, Belmont hopeful Sacred Light worked seven furlongs in 1:28 with jockey Victor Espinoza aboard.
"He was in company early and drew away from that horse by about five or six lengths," said trainer David Hofmans. "Our plan is to ship him to New York on Tuesday and work him over the track there Sunday."
Source: www.nypost.com

Jockey Bill Boland among those selected to Hall of Fame

2006-05-30T14:23:00.000-07:00

Jockey Bill Boland, who rode Middleground to victory in the 1950 Kentucky Derby, was elected to the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame today.
Boland was just 16 when he guided Middleground to wins in both the Derby and the Belmont. Only a second-place finish in the Preakness prevented him from winning the Triple Crown.
Boland won more than two thousand races during his jockey career before retiring in 1969.
Trainer Carl Hanford and turf champion Cougar the second were also named to the Hall of Fame by the Historic Review Committee. The committee reviews nominees who haven't been involved in the horse industry for at least 25 years.
Hanford worked with five-time Horse of the Year winner Kelso, who was the winningest horse in history until Affirmed broke his career-earnings record in 1979.
Cougar the second was the first foreign-bred millionaire in American racing history.
The induction ceremonies will be held August Seventh at Saratoga Race Course in New York.
Source: www.wkyt.com

Prado Scheduled to Make First Visit to Barbaro; Horse Continues to do Well

2006-05-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

Jockey Edgar Prado plans to visit Barbaro on Tuesday for the first time since the horse's devastating injury at the Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
Barbaro, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), continued to rest peacefully Monday at the University of Pennsylvania's George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals. His appetite and vital signs remain strong, officials said.
Surgeon Dean Richardson expects this week to remove Barbaro's cast long enough to examine the colt's shattered right hind leg, which is being held together with a plate and 27 screws.
"Changing the cast ... is significant because then he'll be able to take a look at the leg and see how it's healing," said Gail Luciani, spokeswoman for the University of Pennsylvania's veterinary school.
Prado, one of the nation's leading riders, resumed racing after the Preakness and has posted several wins. He said last week the races help him keep his mind off his anguish over the Preakness injury, which ended Barbaro's Triple Crown bid and racing career.
Doctors say it could be months before they know whether Barbaro will survive, because of the risk of infection and other life-threatening complications.
Source: tcm.bloodhorse.com

Not much buzz for Belmont Stakes without Bernardini, Barbaro

2006-05-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

The way the field for the final leg of the Triple Crown is shaping up, many more reminders may be necessary to keep sports fans interested: This Belmont will be different, for sure.
For just the third time in 36 years, neither the Kentucky Derby winner nor the Preakness winner will be in the race.
Derby winner Barbaro is convalescing in a hospital in Chester County, Pa., after shattering three bones in his leg at the start of the Preakness. Bernardini, who won the Preakness, will remain in his stall on Belmont day - his owner, Dubai's Sheik Mohammed, decided to give the colt a breather.
Only a handful of Derby runners will be back for the Belmont after skipping the Preakness, while Sweetnorthernsaint would be the only horse to run in all three Triple Crown races - but he's no cinch to show up.
The unlikely set of circumstances adds up to a Belmont without buzz: No Triple Crown on the line; no rubber match between the Derby and Preakness winners, no crowds of 100,000-plus.
So how will track announcer Tom Durkin gear up to call the race?
"There's no question the Belmont doesn't have the cache had Barbaro or Bernardini been there, but it stands on its own as an important race," Durkin said. "But the words I use to describe it will not be as big and will not have a historical ring to them. The list of superlatives I can use will be shortened."
It's still early, but a field of 10 appears likely for the 1 1/2-mile Belmont. Returning after skipping the Preakness are Bluegrass Cat, Steppenwolfer and Jazil, the 2-3-4 finishers in the Derby.
Other Derby runners coming back for the Belmont include Deputy Glitters (eighth), Bob and John (17th) and possibly Point Determined (ninth).
Hemingway's Key (third in the Preakness) and Peter Pan winner Sunriver also are set, with Sir Barton winner High Cotton and Oh So Awesome under consideration.
Todd Pletcher, looking for his first win in a Triple Crown race, trains Bluegrass Cat, Sunriver and High Cotton. He says the public may not be pumped, but the trainers are.
"No doubt, when you have a Triple Crown prospect it's exciting," Pletcher said. "But that doesn't mean I want to win the Belmont any less than if Barbaro was here going for the Triple Crown. It's up there on the list of races we'd like to win. For us, it would be exciting."
In six of the past nine years, fans flocked to Belmont in record numbers, hoping to witness history - the first Triple Crown champion since Affirmed in 1978. But each time, the Derby-Preakness winner fell short.
Silver Charm lost by three-quarters of a length in 1997; Real Quiet by a nose the next year, and Charismatic finished third in 1999 after injuring his leg in the stretch. Then it was War Emblem stumbling at the start of the 2002 Belmont, Funny Cide never taking to a wet track the following year and Smarty Jones being caught in the final strides two years ago, a result that left a record crowd of 120,139 in stunned disbelief.
Source: www.canada.com

Belmont Notes -- Deputy Glitters, Cause to Believe Work

2006-05-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

Joseph Lacombe Stable's Deputy Glitters breezed five furlongs over Belmont's main track Monday morning in 1:01 4/5 with exercise rider Simon Harris up. The son of Deputy Commander will try to get back into the winner's circle in the 128th running of the grade I, $1 million Belmont Stakes (gr. I) on Saturday, June 10.
"He's a real good work horse, so we just wanted him to do something in hand and let him gallop out strong," said assistant trainer Andy Rehm, who supervised the work while trainer Tom Albertrani is serving a suspension. "He got some unexpected company at the quarter-pole. One of [trainer] Bill Mott's horses hooked up with him, but it didn't affect him."
In his most recent start, Deputy Glitters ran eighth in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).
"He ran well in the Derby," Rehm said. "He was wide the whole way around. I think he got a 4 on The Sheets, which was one of the lowest numbers in the race. If we got the same kind of trip Bluegrass Cat got, I think we could have been second. Bluegrass Cat is kind of the same horse as Deputy Glitters, he beat us a length and we beat him a length."
Rehm and Albertrani like how Deputy Glitters fits in the Belmont and the colt comes into the race fresh having sat out the Preakness (gr. I), won by stablemate Bernardini.
"He's going to be laying close and he can run all day, so he fits the profile of the Belmont.
Rehm officially confirmed that Edgar Prado will be the jockey aboard Deputy Glitters in the Belmont. The colt had been ridden in his last four starts by Jose Lezcano.In another Belmont workout Monday, Peter Redekop's Cause to Believe worked one mile at Bay Meadows in 1:39 4/5, handily, with jockey Russell Baze aboard. The son of Maria's Mon who finished 13th in the Kentucky Derby may start in the Belmont Stakes.
"The owners have given me permission to do what I want," trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said. "I want to see how he comes out of this work before making a decision."
Hollendorfer's only Belmont starter was in 2000 when he finished 10th with Globalize.
"The Belmont is a very difficult race to win," Hollendorfer said. "It could have been loaded with horses this year, but unfortunately some have gone by the wayside."
Trainer Mike Trombetta said he has not made a decision yet regarding Sweetnorthernsaint in the Belmont Stakes. The Kentucky Derby favorite ran a game second in the Preakness, but grabbed a quarter in the process.
"We're kicking it around," Trombetta said of the Belmont. "His foot is fine. He was a littler tender for a day or two, but it turned out to be no big deal. "
Trombetta said the most important factor will be how Sweetnothernsaint feels and trains during the next week.
"Everything would have to be going unbelievably well," Trombetta said. "I'm kind of dragging my feet here for a while. We need to work him by Saturday. If he doesn't work by Saturday, he won't run in the Belmont."
High Finance, a two-time winner this spring for trainer Rick Violette Jr., is currently under consideration for the Belmont Stakes. A colt by Talk Is Money, High Finance owns two wins, a pair of seconds and a third from five starts. On Sunday, he breezed one mile over Belmont's main track in 1:38.49.
"He breezed really well and right now we're seriously considering (the Belmont Stakes,)" Violette said. "We know it's a huge step up, but it's a wide open race and nobody knows whose going to get a mile and a half. His breeze was really spectacular. He went the last eighth in 11 and change."
After breaking his maiden by more than nine lengths on April 15 at Keeneland, High Finance put forth his best effort to date on May 4 at Belmont, winning an entry-level allowance by five lengths. Although the "in control from start" comment he earned that day is impressive, fans shouldn't forget that he broke through the starting gate prior to the race.
"I thought he beat a really good field and he showed he was faster than those horses," Violette said.
Source: tcm.bloodhorse.com

Belmont lacking buzz without Barbaro

2006-05-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

The Belmont Stakes will be run June 10, the 11th of 13 races at Belmont Park that day. Post time, 6:35 p.m.
The way the field for the final leg of the Triple Crown is shaping up, many more reminders may be necessary to keep sports fans interested: This Belmont will be different, for sure.
For just the third time in 36 years, neither the Kentucky Derby winner nor the Preakness winner will be in the race.
Derby winner Barbaro is convalescing in a hospital in Chester County, Pa., after shattering three bones in his leg at the start of the Preakness. Bernardini, who won the Preakness, will remain in his stall on Belmont day — his owner, Dubai’s Sheik Mohammed, decided to give the colt a breather.
Only a handful of Derby runners will be back for the Belmont after skipping the Preakness, while Sweetnorthernsaint would be the only horse to run in all three Triple Crown races — but he’s no cinch to show up.
The unlikely set of circumstances adds up to a Belmont without buzz: No Triple Crown on the line; no rubber match between the Derby and Preakness winners, no crowds of 100,000-plus.
So how will track announcer Tom Durkin gear up to call the race?
“There’s no question the Belmont doesn’t have the cache had Barbaro or Bernardini been there, but it stands on its own as an important race,” Durkin said. “But the words I use to describe it will not be as big and will not have a historical ring to them. The list of superlatives I can use will be shortened.”
It’s still early, but a field of 10 appears likely for the 1½-mile Belmont. Returning after skipping the Preakness are Bluegrass Cat, Steppenwolfer and Jazil, the 2-3-4 finishers in the Derby.
Source: msnbc.msn.com

Bluegrass Cat could be reunited with Velazquez for Belmont

2006-05-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

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

Lacking Derby, Preakness Winners, Belmont Shaping Up as Competitive Race

2006-05-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, there still is another leg of the Triple Crown to be run. Although the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) on June 10 has lost its star appeal with the absence of Barbaro and Bernardini, it is still a classic, and a grueling one at that, and should at least be a competitive race, offering interesting possibilities for bettors.The door is wide open for yet another star to step into the spotlight and propel himself into the Travers (gr. I) and Haskell (gr. I) picture.
And when any door opens in New York, you can bet several members of Todd Pletcher's platoon will come charging through. Pletcher likely will saddle two, possibly three, horses in the mile and a half "Test of the Champion." He will have the probable favorite in Peter Pan (gr. II) winner Sunriver, who was denied entrance into the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) field because of insufficient graded earnings. He could also have the first and second choices if he runs Derby runner-up Bluegrass Cat as expected. A third Pletcher horse, High Cotton, also will get a good deal of support after his decisive score in the Sir Barton Stakes on Preakness day.
Tom Albertrani, who saddled Bernardini to a brilliant victory in the Preakness off only three career starts, will be represented by Deputy Glitters, winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III) over Bluegrass Cat. The son of Deputy Commander had a horrible trip in the Kentucky Derby and actually ran well to finish eighth at odds of 60-1. He has the pedigree and the stride to handle Belmont's big, sweeping turns and could be the sleeper.
Other Derby starters who have been waiting for the Belmont are third-place finisher Steppenwolfer, fourth-place finisher (in a dead-heat) Jazil, and 17th-place finisher Bob and John, winner of the Wood Memorial (gr. I), who has been working brilliantly at Santa Anita.
Nick Zito, who has been trying all winter and spring to make some kind of impact on the 3-year-old division, finally picked up some prestigious black type when he sent out longshot Hemingway's Key to finish third in the Preakness, a race Zito was hoping would set the colt up for the Belmont Stakes. It was two years ago that Zito sprung a surprise in the Belmont by upsetting Smarty Jones with 36-1 shot Birdstone. He finished second last year with another longshot, Andromeda's Hero.
It might be worthwhile to pay attention to Oh So Awesome, a former European runner who was purchased by Team Valor with the express purpose of running in the Belmont Stakes. The son of Awesome Again had a decent prep in his U.S. debut, finishing third in the Match the Hatch Stakes in the slop at Belmont. He is trained by Jimmy Jerkens.
Team Valor finished second in the 1992 Belmont with European import My Memoirs, who was beaten three-quarters of a length by A.P. Indy. They also finished third in 1998 with 28-1 shot Thomas Jo.
Two horses considered possibles for the Belmont are Preakness also-rans Greeley's Legacy and Platinum Couple.
The last time the Belmont was contested without the winners of the Derby and the Preakness was in 2000 when longshot Commendable won for D. Wayne Lukas. Before that, you have to go back to 1970.
Source: tcm.bloodhorse.com

Bluegrass Cat Breezes for Belmont Stakes

2006-05-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

Bluegrass Cat, the Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) runner up to Barbaro, breezed five furlongs over Belmont's main track Sunday morning in 1:00.30.Under exercise rider Eddie King, Bluegrass Cat, one of the favorites for the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) on June10, turned in the sixth fastest of 28 works at the distance.
As of Sunday morning, Belmont probables, in addition to Bluegrass Cat, included Sunriver, Bob and John, Deputy Glitters, Hemingway's Key, Jazil, Oh So Awesome, Sacred Light, Steppenwolfer and Platinum Couple. Wilentz and High Finance are possible, too.
Pletcher was pleased with Bluegrass Cat's workout.
"He worked really well," said Pletcher, who also plans on running recent Peter Pan (gr. II) winner Sunriver in the Belmont Stakes. "The defections of Barbaro and Bernardini have certainly changed the complexion of the race ... we're very optimistic."
Bluegrass Cat, a bay Storm Cat colt, was one of the nation's leading juveniles of 2005 after racking up stakes wins in the Nashua (gr. III) and Remsen (gr. II). Although he won his seasonal debut in the Feb. 18 Sam Davis, Bluegrass Cat faltered in his final two pre-Kentucky Derby races, losing the Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III) at odds of 2-5 and finishing fourth as the favorite in the Toyota Blue Grass (gr. I). The colt rebounded nicely in the Kentucky Derby, however.
"He ran big," Pletcher said. "He was like a lot of horses that didn't seem to take to the Keeneland track and improved at Churchill. A little improvement off of the Derby and we'll be tough."
Sunriver, a full brother to the multiple Eclipse Award-winning Ashado, is scheduled to work next Sunday. Jockey Rafael Bejarano has the mount aboard Sunriver in the Belmont Stakes.
Jockey John Velazquez is expected to reunite with Bluegrass Cat for the Belmont Stakes. He was on the backstretch Sunday working horses for Pletcher. Velazquez has not ridden in a race since April 20, having suffered a fractured shoulder blade and cracked rib in a spill at Keeneland. Velazquez has been the nation's champion jockey in both 2004 and 2005.
"I feel good. I'm just trying to get fit," Velazquez said. "I'm doing better than I thought I'd be doing at this point. I just need to get a little more strength in my back and we'll go from there. I was jogging and doing physical therapy before I started getting on the horses again. It's good to be back."
Velazquez hopes to ride during the week preceding the Belmont
Trainer David Hofmans will put his perfect Belmont Stakes record on the line when he saddles Amerman Racing Stables' Sacred Light. The Holy Bull colt worked seven furlongs in 1:28, handily, beneath jockey Victor Espinoza Sunday at Hollywood Park. Hofmans won with his only Belmont starter, Touch Gold, in 1997, foiling the Triple Crown bid of Silver Charm.
"He went very nice," Hofmans said of the work. "He was in company early and drew away from that horse by about five or six lengths. Victor said he was very happy."
Espinoza will ride Sacred Light for the first time in the Belmont. His previous Belmont experience includes a runner-up finish with A P Valentine in 2001 and an eighth with favorite and Triple Crown hopeful War Emblem in 2002.
"Our plan is to ship him to New York on Tuesday and work him over the track there Sunday," Hofmans said. "Touch Gold ran in the Preakness, but we gave him a good seven-eighths work before the Belmont over the track. I remember talking to Woody Stephens about the importance of getting a work over the track before the Belmont that year."
Stephens trained five straight Belmont winners from 1982 to 1986.
Sacred Light would be winless if it weren't for a forward placement via disqualification last August in a Del Mar maiden race. The colt ran credible races against top California 3-year-olds such as Bob and John and Brother Derek. Sacred Light comes off a runner-up finish in a 1 1/16-mile Churchill allowance race behind last year's Belmont third-place finisher Nolan's Cat
"He's a true distance horse," Hofmans said. "When Rafael Bejarano got off him after his last race, he said the horse probably would have won if the race were another eighth of a mile."
Other than the Santa Anita Derby when he was a distant fourth behind Brother Derek, Sacred Light has hit the board in all his other starts this year.
"The Santa Anita Derby was just a mess," Hofmans said. "He fell on his nose and it was pretty much over after that."
Hofmans said he will be in New York to supervise the work next week.
Source: tcm.bloodhorse.com

138th Belmont Stakes main Info.

2006-05-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

The 138th running of the Belmont Stakes, the 1 ½-mile “Test of the Champion” for three-year-olds, will be the featured race on a live, 13-race card at Belmont Park on Saturday, June 10. The Belmont Stakes will be run as Race 11 (6:35 p.m.) and the last race will go to post at 7:47 p.m. Eastern.
Parking gates open at 8:30 a.m. on Belmont Stakes Day, and first race post is noon.
Additionally, there will be a $1 million guaranteed Pick 6, starting with Race 6 and a $1 million Pick 4, beginning with Race 8.
ESPN will provide live coverage from noon to 5 p.m. ABC will then take over with an expanded broadcast from 5 to 7 p.m. Eastern.
For the first time in history, Belmont Park will offer simulcast action on Belmont Stakes Day, Saturday, June 10. The available tracks will be Monmouth Park, Churchill Downs, Finger Lakes and Hollywood Park.
Source: www.nyra.com

Velazquez Hopes to be Riding Before Belmont

2006-05-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

Jockey John Velazquez, sidelined with a fractured right shoulder blade and cracked ribs after a Keeneland racing accident April 20, said he may return to racing before the June 10 Belmont Stakes (gr. I).
The 34-year-old jockey began working horses for trainer Todd Pletcher May 24 at Belmont Park, and a recent examination from his physician confirmed that his shoulder injury wouldn't sustain further damage if he were to compete again.
"Basically, he told me I could race tomorrow if I wanted to," Velazquez said May 26. "Everything is looking very, very good, so he said I could go ahead and do what I need to get strong again. I started jogging last week, and now I'm working one horse each morning."
Velazquez missed riding in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) after his Pletcher-trained mount, Up an Octave, broke down galloping out after the finish of Keeneland's $110,600 Forerunner Stakes in late April. He initially expected to be off his mounts until mid-July, but was pleasantly surprised by his rapidly improving physical condition this week.
"I said I'd like to come back for the Belmont, but I'll probably surprise everybody–including myself–and be racing before then," Velazquez said. "I'm feeling very good, and it's looking like I'll be able to come back much sooner than I originally thought."
While stating that race riding within the next two weeks is "realistic," the two-time Eclipse Award winner cautioned that he would not compete unless he felt confident in his level of fitness. "I need to know that I'm able to compete, 100%," he said. "After working horses for the past few days, I'm starting to get that feeling. I just need to build up my strength."
As far as potential Belmont mounts are concerned, Velazquez currently has his choice of two Todd Pletcher trainees–Kentucky Derby runner-up Bluegrass Cat (ridden by Ramon Dominguez) and Sunriver, who won the May 20 Peter Pan Stakes (gr. II) at Belmont under Rafael Bejarano. Velazquez was the regular rider for both horses before his injury.
source: racing.bloodhorse.com

Brother Derek has left the Triple Crown trail.

2006-05-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

After finishing fourth in the first two legs - the Kentucky Derby and Preakness - the Alberta-owned colt will not enter the Belmont Stakes.
"I am very much against those three races being so close together," said owner Cec Peacock from his Calgary home.
"They're three long races for three-year-olds (within five weeks). It's a very bad thing to do to a horse."
Brother Derek has already flown to California - but life is much different at home than it was before he left for the Triple Crown.
Gone is the hype of being the Derby favourite. Gone is the undefeated record in 2006.
Now the colt has lost two straight by an average margin of 13 lengths and his breeding value has dropped.
But Peacock is just thankful his horse will likely race again later this year - unlike Barbaro.
FINISH LINES: When Barbaro broke through the starting gate prematurely in the Preakness, Brother Derek tried the same trick - but he couldn't open his gate doors.
That move threw the colt off his game when the race eventually started.
"The next time (the gate) opened, Brother Derek wasn't too sure and he came out (the gate) last," said Peacock.
Source: slam.canoe.ca

Barbaro's improving health a $50 million proposition

2006-05-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

Barbaro enjoyed a nap and appeared stable and happy Wednesday as the seriously injured Kentucky Derby winner made steady progress from life-threatening leg injuries suffered in the Preakness.
"Barbaro's condition is excellent," reported Dr. Dean Richardson, who pinned together the 3-year-old's shattered leg bones.
The cost of Barbaro's surgery and recovery time is estimated at tens of thousands of dollars.
Q Are the horse's owners, Gretchen and Roy Jackson, really attached to Barbaro or do their interests lie more in his potential as a stallion?
A Ever since Barbaro broke down, they have said all they wanted for him was a life without pain. But if he is able to breed, Barbaro could fetch $40,000 to $50,000 per foal and sire an average of 60 foals a year in a career that could last until his early 20s. That's close to $50 million in 20 years.
Q How much would Barbaro have fetched had he won the Triple Crown?
A Hard to say exactly. The Jacksons turned down stallion-rights offers for him before the Derby. Smarty Jones, who won the 2004 Derby and Preakness, was syndicated for $40 million, his only loss coming in the Belmont Stakes in his attempt to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.
Q What about insurance?
A Roy Jackson said Barbaro was insured, and the premiums grew after the colt won the Florida Derby and the Kentucky Derby. The owners also have a policy that protects them in case Barbaro is unable to stand at stud.
Q What were the exact injuries?
A Barbaro sustained a broken cannon bone above the ankle, a broken sesamoid bone behind the ankle and a broken long pastern bone below the ankle. The fetlock joint — the ankle — was dislocated. The pastern bone was shattered into more than 20 pieces.
Q How were the repairs done?
A The bones were put in place to fuse the joint by inserting a plate and 27 screws.
Q Why is Barbaro's life at risk?
A Horses often are put down after serious leg injuries because circulation problems or fatal diseases can arise during recovery.
Q And the immediate concerns?
A Obstacles over the next several weeks include the possibility of infection, fever, re-injury to the leg or injury to the other hind leg, which must support more of Barbaro's weight.
Q Barbaro is napping, which is considered a good sign. What's he eating?
A "Probably as many carrots as the doctors allow and as many apples as the doctors allow because he's received enough to feed the whole hospital," said Corinne R. Sweeney, executive director at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.
Source: www.daytondailynews.com

Barbaro's injury Prado's second tragedy this year

2006-05-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

Jockey Edgar Prado has had some tough days in 23 years of race riding, but May 20, he admits, was the toughest.
That was the day his mount in the Preakness Stakes (G1), Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Barbaro, sustained a life-threatening injury less than a furlong into the race. The Dynaformer colt has since undergone surgery at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center to repair his badly damaged right hind leg.
Prado said the positive post-surgery updates on Barbaro's chances of survival have helped him cope and uplifted him a bit.
"Saturday was a nightmare," Prado said on Wednesday after winning the first race at Belmont Park. "I'm trying to bounce back and concentrate on my riding."
Prado won his three of his seven mounts on Wednesday's card.
"I was heartbroken Monday and Tuesday," he said. "I guess the busier I stay, the better it will be for me."
In 23 years of race riding, Prado previously has ridden horses that have broken down in races but none as special as Barbaro, he said.
"He's an intelligent horse," Prado said. "He knew he was hurt and he knew what he wanted—he wanted to survive. I think he'll make it through. He's a very special horse. …All we can do now is pray for him to have a speedy recovery and for him to enjoy the rest of his life."
Prado's quick reaction to Barbaro's injury and his effort to pull him up immediately is credited with saving him from doing further damage to his leg.
"I think anybody could have done the same job," Prado said. "I reacted pretty quickly and I tried to hold him together. The horse did his job by not fighting with me.
"I stopped thinking about he race and the Triple Crown right away," he said. "The only think I could think of was him. I wanted to pull him up and comfort him as soon as I could. Each second felt like an hour."
Barbaro's injury is the second tragedy Prado has been burdened with this year. In January, his mother, Zenaida, died from cancer in Peru only a day after she gained permission to come to the United States for treatment.
"The hardest part of my life was when I lost my mother," Prado said. "Saturday was the toughest day of my career. It was love at first sight with Barbaro. We both got along pretty good and he's a special horse. He could have proven to the whole racing industry that he could have become a great horse.
"It goes to show you that in America, everything is possible," he continued. "The technology here is superior to so many other countries. You have a better chance to survive any kind of injury or illness here than you do anywhere else. I'm glad he's getting what my mother didn't: a chance to survive.
"Of all the tears I have cried, if tears could heal a wound, Barbaro would be healed by now," Prado said. "I've been thinking about him and I've been crying on and off. I can't do any more."Source: tcm.bloodhorse.com

Lacking Derby, Preakness Winners, Belmont Shaping Up as Competitive Race

2006-05-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Bernardini back home in New York

2006-05-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

Preakness S. (G1) winner BERNARDINI (A.P. Indy) was put on a van at 7 a.m. (EDT) on Sunday to start the journey back to his home base at Belmont Park, trainer Tom Albertrani reported. The bay colt, who was making just his fourth career start in the 1 3/16-mile Preakness, came out of his 5 1/4-length triumph in good order.
"I knew he had it in him," Albertrani said. "I was confident in him. I didn't think he'd win so easily. If Barbaro (Dynaformer) was in the race, I don't know how close it would have been."
Unfortunately, the tragedy of Barbaro's breakdown at the beginning of the race marred some of the celebrations for Bernardini's connections.
"I was still very excited because of the way Bernardini won the race, but I know how it feels to go through an ordeal like that," Albertrani added. "I feel bad for the connections of Barbaro. That's something you never want to see."
The conditioner indicated that Bernardini, who entered the Preakness off a 3 3/4-length victory in the Withers S. (G3), might continue his classic quest in the Belmont S. (G1) on June 10. The final decision will rest with the bay colt's owner, Darley Stable principal Sheikh Mohammed, but Albertrani said that the distance would not be a factor.
"After the (one-turn mile) Withers, (jockey) Javier Castellano said he had just got going, and he galloped out so strong. With the two turns, I knew he'd relish (running longer distances) that much more," Albertrani commented.
If Bernardini does go in the Belmont, Albertrani will have two horses to saddle, reporting that Tampa Bay Derby (G3) victor Deputy Glitters (Deputy Commander), who ran eighth in the Kentucky Derby (G1), will try the 1 1/2-mile test.
SWEETNORTHERNSAINT (Sweetsouthernsaint) was doing fine Sunday morning after making the trip back to his home base of Laurel Park. Trainer Mike Trombetta said the dark bay had grabbed a quarter early in the Preakness, but it wouldn't cost him in training time.
"I don't think it's too bad," he explained. "The vet was going to trim it off this morning. I only took a brief look at it, but I don't think he'll lose but a day or two over it."
Sweetnorthernsaint grabbed a slight lead in the stretch, but couldn't hold off Bernardini's rush. The gelding was much the best of the rest of the field, six lengths clear in second, and Trombetta said he'll take 10 days or so before deciding on whether or not to send his charge to the Belmont.
HEMINGWAY'S KEY (Notebook) ran without blinkers in the Preakness and earned his best finish in a stakes race while running third. He will attempt to improve yet again in the Belmont next out.
"If everything is good, yes," trainer Nick Zito said of the colt running in the third leg of the Triple Crown. "If he has a couple good weeks, why not. He had a lot of energy; he's wild. He rebounded nicely (on Saturday). That was exactly what I wanted to see."
The Hall of Fame conditioner, who put Hemingway's Key on a van to Saratoga Springs, New York, around 8:30 Sunday morning, was still upset from Saturday's accident.
"I guess I'm a 100 percent fan of racing," he said. "I love the game, and but for racing, I don't know where I'd be. It's a sad day for racing. The whole story, unfortunately, was what happened, and it's part of our business.
"Let's hope he lives. You need this horse to have some kind of miracle. Hopefully, God can pull him through. He needs to live. This horse has to live, and if he lives, then you can rebound."
Santa Anita Derby (G1) hero BROTHER DEREK (Benchmark) filled the fourth-place position in the Preakness, the same result as in the Kentucky Derby, though this time he held that spot on his own and not in a dead-heat. Trainer Dan Hendricks said that the bay colt would head back to California on Sunday, and that the Belmont was out.
"He's fine. He didn't get nicked up or cut up," Hendricks commented, adding that his charge did have a slight cut on his nose from banging into the gate. "All I wanted was a clean race. When (jockey Alex Solis) had to grab him (to avoid running into Barbaro), he got on the muscle and was never able to run his race.
"It could have been worse. We could have run into him."
Hendricks said that Barbaro's accident really put things into perspective.
"The horse getting hurt made it anticlimactic how we ran. It's a game of highs and lows. You never know what you're going to get. All you can do is enjoy it when it's good and you've got to make it through when it's not."
GREELEY'S LEGACY (Mr. Greeley) rewarded trainer George Weaver's faith in him with a fifth in the Preakness, getting the spot by a neck over PLATINUM COUPLE (Tale of the Cat).
"We took a shot," Weaver said. I was hoping that he could do better and I still think he is capable of better than that. It was a great experience for us as a trainer, our team and our owners.
"This horse is going to come up to a big race. It's just a matter of getting him to it."
Greeley's Legacy headed back to Belmont Park Sunday morning on a van.
Platinum Couple rested Saturday night at Pimlico and was vanned back to his home base at Belmont Park around 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
Assistant trainer Glenn Lostritto, son of conditioner Joe Lostritto, said that Platinum Couple would probably get some time off before pointing toward some New York-bred events during the summer.
LIKE NOW (Jules), who finished seventh in the Preakness, set the quick pace and was compromised after being pushed too fast in the early stages, according to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.
"We were pressured a lot earlier than I thought we would be," McLaughlin said. "Sweetnorthernsaint pressured us early and obviously it cost us. We weren't sure we wanted to go that far, but at that pace we sure didn't want to go that far."
Like Now, like many of his fellow Preakness runners, shipped back to Belmont Park, and the gelding could show up in an easier spot next out.
"He could probably get the distance with a little less company," McLaughlin added. "This was as tough as they come. Maybe if it was a little easier competition, I think he would get the distance."
McLaughlin added his well wishes to Barbaro's connections.
"I feel terrible about Barbaro; they're great people," he said. "The highs and lows of this game are extreme. I guess they don't get any more extreme than winning the Derby and then having something like that happen. We just pray that he gets through surgery and is OK."
DIABOLICAL (Artax) will shorten up in the future after checking in eighth and last in the Preakness, trainer Steve Klesaris said.
"Fortunately, we can report that he came out of the race very well. The distance was just a little bit beyond his scope. You could see that it was too far for him. We had suspected that and decided to take a shot at it anyway to find out. We found out."
Klesaris said that Diabolical's best distance would probably be around seven furlongs.
Source: www.brisnet.com

Lawyer Ron to have chip removed

2006-05-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

Arkansas Derby (G2) winner LAWYER RON (Langfuhr) is out of the Preakness (G1) and will undergo surgery at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, to remove a small chip from his right hind ankle on Friday. If all goes successfully, Lawyer Ron will be able to resume training in approximately 30 days.
Following discussions with trainer Bob Holthus, Audrey Haisfield, owner of Stonewall Farm and majority owner of Lawyer Ron, said that everyone wanted to act in the best interest of the horse.
"We will take care of this minor problem now so that he will be in a great position to participate in the major three-year-old events this summer," Haisfield said. "The timing is unfortunate to miss the rest of the Triple Crown, but our ultimate goal is to have Lawyer Ron in top condition for the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs."
Lawyer Ron won his first four starts this year, including the Rebel S. (G3) and Risen Star S. (G3), and brought a six-race winning skein into the Kentucky Derby (G1). He managed only a 12th-place finish and underwent a medical examination earlier this week. X-rays revealed the problem in his ankle. An earner of more than $1.2 million from a 15-7-1-3 line, Lawyer Ron will stand at Stonewall Farm near Versailles, Kentucky, at the conclusion of his racing career.
Source: www.brisnet.com

Bernardini to Skip Belmont

2006-05-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

Darley Stable's Bernardini, 5 1/4-length winner of the May 20 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), will not run in the June 10 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), according to a statement released by Darley."Bernardini has had three race in quick succession, and Sheikh Mohammed feels that the colt deserved a break before his next target, which will be determined in due course. Therefore he will not contest the June 10 Belmont Stakes," said Jimmy Bell, who issued the statement after speaking with John Ferguson, Darley's bloodstock advisor.
The homebred son of A.P. Indy broke his maiden at Gulfstream Park March 4, winning a maiden special weight by 7 3/4 lengths. One start later, he made his stakes debut in the April 29 Withers Stakes (gr. III), where his 3 3/4-length margin of victory gave his connections confidence to tackle the Preakness.
"Given the fact Bernardini only broke his maiden in March and won a grade I race in May, we feel that he climbed the ladder of competition quite quickly," Bell said. "having said that, we believe he deserves a break.
According to Bell, a major mid-summer contest, such as the July 29 Jim Dandy (gr. II), Aug.6 Haskell Invitational (gr. I), and the Aug. 26 Travers Stakes (gr. I) are under consideration. The colt's ultimate goal would be the Breeders' Cup Classic powered by Dodge (gr. I) Nov. 4 at Churchill Downs.
Source: tcm.bloodhorse.com

Barbaro's condition 'excellent' on Wednesday

2006-05-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

Dean Richardson, chief surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, said Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Barbaro's condition was excellent on Wednesday.
In a mid-afternoon update, Richardson said the Dynaformer colt was stable and happy.
The New Bolton Center has been inundated with well wishes for the colt since he was transported to the facility from Pimlico Race Course on May 20 after sustaining multiple fractures to his right hind leg in the Preakness Stakes (G1).
"In the past few days, we've received hundreds of well wishes for Barbaro," said Corinne Sweeney, a veterinarian and vice chairman of New Bolton's department of clinical studies. "And you can see they've come in many forms. We have flowers … They're in the lobby; they're up in the [intensive care unit] with Barbaro. They're all over the hospital.
"We've got carrots, apples. Everybody's making sure that he's not getting all the apples because if he had all of them that would be too many. So they've been shared with his hospital mates. We've received e-mails. There's just a stack of some of the e-mails. And many, many cards and kind notes."
Source: www.thoroughbredtimes.com

Pletcher could take Belmont this time

2006-05-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

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

Belmont Park Race Track

2006-05-23T09:04:00.001-07:00

Source: www.allhorseracing.com

Limited Seating Available For Belmont Stakes

2006-05-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

His seemingly effortless victory in last Saturday's Kentucky Derby has many people expecting another chance for a Triple Crown winner in the 138th running of the Grade 1, $1 million Belmont Stakes, the 1 ½-mile "Test of the Champion" on Saturday, June 10 at Belmont Park.
True, Barbaro would have to win the Preakness at Pimlico on May 20 in order to have a chance at becoming racing's 12th Triple Crown winner and first since Affirmed in 1978, but many people are already securing seats for the Belmont Stakes, the oldest and longest leg of the Triple Crown races.
The New York Racing Association has a limited number of grandstand reserved seats, located near the eighth-pole, for $60 and $40. There are clubhouse apron reserved seats for $50 (just past the finish line) and preferred grandstand apron reserved for $80 (along the stretch run). All reserved seats include the appropriate admission fee. Call 1-800-814-7846 for more information or for information about faxing applications.
"It is the best entertainment value that the sporting dollar can buy," said NYRA Senior Vice President Bill Nader. "One of the best things about the greatest city in the world is New York is an event town. There is no bigger event than the Belmont Stakes and no bigger or better venue than Belmont Park."
Clubhouse walk-around admission is $10 and grandstand walk-around admission is $5.
General parking is $10 and will be available on Belmont Stakes' Day.
NYRA strongly recommends that fans interested in Belmont Stakes seats deal with the NYRA Admissions Department, as NYRA cannot be responsible for the validity of tickets bought at on-line sites or through scalpers. NYRA tickets may not be resold and are otherwise non-transferable. NYRA reserves the right to refuse to honor tickets that have been resold or otherwise transferred. NYRA actively monitors websites for scalper activity.
Any re-sale of tickets in violation of law could subject the seller to both criminal and civil penalties. Tickets may not be resold or offered for resale at a premium in excess of the amount allowed by any federal, state or local law or regulation. The New York Arts & Cultural Affairs Law establishes that the maximum premium price on tickets in places of entertainment shall not exceed the sum of the established price (the price printed on the ticket) plus five dollars or 10 percent of the established price, whichever is greater, plus lawful taxes.
Source: www.nyra.com

BELMONT STAKES TRACK SERVICES

2006-05-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

Binocular RentalsLocated on the second floor Clubhouse adjacent to the escalator and the first floor Grandstand opposite the Press elevator.
ATM Machines For your convenience, ATM machines are at the following locations:* First floor Grandstand near the end mutuel window closest to finish line.* Second floor Grandstand opposite the Belmont Grill.* Second floor Clubhouse opposite the Clubhouse elevator.
Coat Check At the binocular stands located on the second floor Clubhouse adjacent to the escalator and the first floor Grandstand opposite the Press elevator.
Personal Handicapping StationsLocated on the first and second floor Clubhouse, the Personal Handicapping Stations offer serious handicappers their privacy with personal desktops and televisions. Cost is $3 per day; tickets may be purchased at the second floor Customer Service Information Booth.
Race Replay CentersLocated on the second floor in the Clubhouse and Grandstand.
First AidLocated in the basement.
Lost and Found Located in the Security Office in the basement.
Source: www.allhorseracing.com

A look ahead to likely field for Belmont Stakes

2006-05-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

With the Triple Crown not at stake in the Belmont Stakes, a slew of potential contenders have emerged for the 1 ½-mile race June 10 in New York. A field of as many as 13 is possible.
Expected to run:
• Hemingway's Key: Trainer Nick Zito was encouraged by his third-place finish in the Preakness, his first time hitting the board in five starts. "He had a lot of energy, that horse; he's wild," Zito said. "He rebounded nicely [Saturday]. That was exactly what I wanted to see."
• Derby horses: Five horses who ran in the Kentucky Derby but skipped the Preakness will likely run in the Belmont - Bluegrass Cat (second), Steppenwolfer (third), Jazil (dead heat for fourth), Deputy Glitters (eighth) and Bob and John (17th).
Status uncertain:
• Bernardini: The Preakness winner is not a definite for the Belmont. Trainer Tom Albertrani expects a decision in a few days.
• Sweetnorthernsaint: Second in the Preakness, but came out of the race with a minor hoof injury.
• Point Determined: Bob Baffert trainee was ninth in the Derby. He seems unlikely to run in the Belmont because of the distance.
• Sunriver and High Cotton: Both are from trainer Todd Pletcher's barn and both posted big wins Saturday. Sunriver won the Peter Pan at Belmont, and High Cotton won the Sir Stakes on the Preakness undercard.
• Lewis Michael: Was fourth in the Illinois Derby behind Sweetnorthernsaint and then lost by a neck in the Peter Pan to Sunriver.
• Oh So Awesome: A late nominee to the Triple Crown races, the Belmont would be his second start in America after racing and training in Europe.
Not running:
• Brother Derek: Had another poor race in the Preakness, finishing fourth just as he did in the Derby. Trainer Dan Hendricks said his colt was headed to California and won't be back for the Belmont.
Source: www.philly.com

A ripple effect on the Belmont Stakes

2006-05-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

The man blasting the bugle fanfare before each race at Belmont Park yesterday removed his velvet hat at the mere mention of the critically wounded colt called Barbaro.
"It's a very unfortunate part of horse racing," said the bugler, Samuel Grossman, 40, who, consciously or not, covered his heart with the black bowler.The previously undefeated Kentucky Derby winner snapped an ankle Saturday just a few thundering steps into the Preakness Stakes. The injury threatened the horse's life and wrecked all hope of him achieving one of racing's most elusive prizes - successive wins at the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and Belmont Stakes - a feat last won by Affirmed in 1978.
The accident also stripped Belmont of its biggest star, leaving some visitors to the Elmont racetrack to worry that turnout at the June 10 race will be low.
The red-coated bugler from Melville said the Belmont Stakes would still be worth seeing.
"I'm not of the opinion that it's only important if it's the World Series or it's only important if you win a Triple Crown," Grossman said.
"If we have a nice day, we could still have a big crowd," he said. But without a horse galloping for the crown, Grossman admitted, "It diminishes it."
Barbaro's stardom is what initially captured some casual fans' interest.
Ellen Groppe, 73, of Jamaica said she bets on race horses just once a year, when the Kentucky Derby rolls around. The news accounts of Barbaro's promise inspired her to lay money on him.
"I read about the trainer and he just had a lot of faith in that horse," she said.
Encouraged by $160 she won from the Kentucky Derby, Groppe said she had planned to bet on her horse in the Belmont Stakes. "Now, I don't know," Groppe said.
Among those gamblers who'd staked more money - perhaps too much - on the promising colt, the mood verged on despair.
"Everybody was saying the horse was gonna win by nine lengths," said a dejected Tony Marino, 49.
Marino said he'd bet $3,000 on Barbaro on Saturday - $2,000 to win, $1,000 to place. The Bay Ridge mail-room clerk said the total amounted to his whole savings.
Source: www.newsday.com

Belmont Stakes highlights spring/summer meet at Belmont Park

2006-05-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

Belmont Park, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, will begin its 59-day spring/summer live race meeting on May 3, highlighted by the 138th running of the $1-million Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 10.
The 1 1/2-mile third jewel of the Triple Crown will anchor a card that also features the Manhattan Handicap (G1), a 1 1/4-mile turf race for three-year-olds and older, and the Acorn Stakes (G1), a one-mile test for three-year-old fillies.
The Woody Stephens Breeders' Cup Stakes (G2), named for the late Racing Hall of Fame trainer, will replace the Riva Ridge Breeders' Cup Stakes. The seven-furlong race for three-year-olds, also slated for June 10, received a $50,000 purse increase to $250,000.
The Elmont, New York, track also will host a pair of Grade 1 events on July 1—the 1 1/4-mile Suburban Handicap for three-year-olds and older and the 1 1/8-mile Mother Goose Stakes for three-year-old fillies.
The meeting will run Wednesday through Sunday through July 22 with a first post time of 1 p.m. EDT, with the exception of a noon post time for Belmont Stakes day and a 3 p.m. first post on "Sunset Fridays."
Belmont also will host live racing on May 29 for Memorial Day as well as Monday, July 3, and Tuesday, July 4.
Source: www.thoroughbredtimes.com

Barbaro's Accident shakes up the field

2006-05-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

Jeremy Rose, who had Preakness glory last year with Afleet Alex, stood inside the shedrow at the Pimlico Stakes barn early Saturday evening. He, like everyone else who had just seen the 131st running of the Preakness Stakes, was shaken up.Barbaro, the heavy favorite to win the race and then the Belmont Stakes in three weeks, was being whisked away to an equine hospital, his career over, his life on the line.
Advertisement Rose escaped serious injury when Afleet Alex almost fell in last year's Preakness. He righted himself, then won the Belmont Stakes.
"It stinks. It's a terrible day," said Rose, who rode Hemingway's Key to a third-place finish in the Preakness. "It's the worst thing that can happen in any race, let alone the Preakness, let alone the favorite. A lot of people were here to see if he could make the next step to the Triple crown, including myself."
Rose said he was unaware that Barbaro broke down until he looked behind him when the field passed the stricken animal.
"It (stinks), it really does," Rose said. "It (stinks) when a horse breaks down in a $5,000 claiming race. What a bad day."
Home grown
Michael Trombetta, the trainer of Sweetnorthernsaint, said he has been to the Preakness about 20 times in his 39 years. Saturday was the first time he was there not as a spectator.
Trombetta was born in Baltimore, so running a horse in the Preakness was even more special.
"I'm comfortable here, I'm familiar with the territory," Trombetta said outside the stakes barn Saturday morning. "It's nice to be home. We'll have about 25 to 30 people here."
Sweetnorthernsaint was the last of the nine horses to ship to Pimlico, arriving on the grounds at 7 Saturday morning. Trombetta was here to greet him following the 27-mile trip from nearby Laurel Park, where he is based. As he watched the sea of humanity pour into Pimlico, it jogged his memory of his days as a young fan.
"I went to the infield a couple of times, but I behaved," Trombetta said of the wild Preakness party scene. "I was out there sightseeking. I tell you, sometimes it gets a little scary out there. The later you stay, the wilder it gets."
Bad day for Ah Day
Earlier in the week, Maryland-based trainer King Leatherbury decided he would not run his 3-year-old Ah Day in the Preakness. It would have cost the owners $100,000 to supplement to the Preakness because Ah Day was not nominated to the race.
Leatherbury decided instead to run Ah Day in the $100,000 Sir Barton at 1 1/16 miles on the Preakness undercard. After watching Ah Day finish fifth in the seven-horse field as the even-money favorite, Leatherbury is probably happy he didn't push for the Preakness.
The Sir Barton was won by the Todd Pletcher-trained High Cotton, who earlier this year was on the barn's list for Kentucky Derby contenders.
High Cotton, ridden by Garret Gomez for the first time, led from the start and won by 5 lengths while being timed in 1:42 4/5 for the 1 1/16 miles.
"He's professional," Gomez said. "When he got a little pressure he was up to the task. The more pressure he got, the better he was."
High Cotton was the 4-1 third choice in the wagering and paid $10.40, $5 and $3.80.
For Ah Day, who has raced exclusively on the Maryland circuit, it was only the second time in nine starts he didn't hit the board.
"He threw in a bad race," Leatherbury said. "That's the first bad race he has thrown in. It happens." Source: timesunion.com

SUNRIVER EYES BELMONT STAKES

2006-05-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

Sunriver may have earned himself a spot in the Belmont Stakes as the Todd Pletcher trainee caught Lewis Michael nearing the wire to win the 53rd running of the Grade 2 Peter Pan Stakes yesterday. Ridden to victory by Rafael Bejarano, Sunriver was one of four stakes winners for Pletcher on the day. Pletcher also mentioned he may send Sir Barton winner High Cotton to the Belmont Stakes as well.
1st RACE - Though ending up with a lemon usually may not be a good thing, it was what you wanted in this race as Green Lemon loved the yielding turf course and easily broke his maiden by 14 lengths. Lemon Shore closed well to finish second and complete the Lemon exacta. Favored Wrigley was involved in an early speed duel and tired to fourth.
4th RACE - Race was named the New York Post as after the race, Scott Byrne of Floral Park was presented as the winner of the contest to own part of a thoroughbred with West Point Stable. The horse, Defrereoftheheart, was taken to the winners' circle, and after finding his right side, stood gallantly alongside Byrne for photos. In the race, Pletcher debuted another good 3-year-old as Sterwins came full of run on the rail to finish second to gate-to-wire winner Johnny Spreadsheet.

6th RACE - Light Classic is a lightly raced filly with a bright future ahead of her. She was sent off the favorite and she rated off the pace while saving ground, then on the turn tried to get outside for clear running room. She forced first-time starter Leaveitinthering outside but she did have a clear lane turning for home. But then she ran greenly, ducking inside behind horses. When she got outside again, she came full of run for third.
9th RACE - Bejarano completed his sweep of the late double as he guided Classic Fran to the outside and drew off in the stretch for the victory. Buxton Hill ran well for the place spot. Tony Lantana was making a strong run on the turn but then had to check so severely he fell back out of the race and allowed to jog to through the stretch.
Source: www.nypost.com

Preakness winner a maybe for Belmont

2006-05-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

Preakness winner Bernardini is not definitely set for the Belmont Stakes in three weeks, but trainer Tom Albertrani expects a decision in a few days.
Albertrani, though, has a certain Belmont starter in Deputy Glitters, who finished eighth in the Kentucky Derby and skipped the Preakness.
Bernardini was the surprise winner of the Preakness, beating Sweetnorthernsaint by 5¼ lengths, the race overshadowed by the serious injury at the start to Barbaro. The Derby winner broke three bones in his right rear leg and was in surgery Sunday fighting for his life.
Bernardini, with three wins in four starts, was back at Belmont Park, and Albertrani will discuss the colt’s plans with Dubai’s Sheik Mohammed, who operates Darley Stud.
“I was still very excited because of the way Bernardini won the race, but I know how it feels to go through an ordeal like that,” Albertrani said, referring to Barbaro’s breakdown. “I feel bad for the connections of Barbaro. That’s something you never want to see.”
The field for the 1½-mile Belmont began taking shape, with as many as 13 3-year-olds possible for the 1½-mile race.
A few Derby starters will be back for the Triple Crown finale after skipping the Preakness, including second- and third-place finishers Bluegrass Cat and Steppenwolfer. Jazil, who finished in a dead heat for fourth with Brother Derek, also is set to run.
Trainer Bob Baffert plans to send Bob and John to the race, and might send Point Determined. Bob and John was 17th in the Derby and Point Determined was ninth.
From the Preakness, Sweetnorthernsaint is a possible, and trainer Nick Zito said third-place finisher Hemingway’s Key will run. Todd Pletcher, who trains Bluegrass Cat, could have two other starters in Peter Pan Stakes winner Sunriver and Sir Barton winner High Cotton. Other possibles are Oh So Awesome and Lewis Michael.
Brother Derek had another poor race in the Preakness, finishing fourth just as he did in the Derby. Trainer Dan Hendricks said his colt was headed back to California and won’t be back for the Belmont.
Hendricks said Barbaro’s injury put the Triple Crown into perspective.
“The horse getting hurt made it anticlimactic how we ran,” Hendricks said. “It’s a game of highs and lows. You never know what you’re going to get. All you can do is enjoy it when it’s good and you’ve got to make it through when it’s not.”
Zito was encouraged by Hemingway’s Key’s effort — his first finish in the top three in five starts this year.
“If everything is good, yes,” Zito said about running in the Belmont. “If he has a couple good weeks, why not? He had a lot of energy, that horse; he’s wild. He rebounded nicely yesterday. That was exactly what I wanted to see.”
Sweetnorthernsaint came out of the Preakness with a minor hoof injury, but trainer Michael Trombetta said the Belmont was still possible.
“I’m going to wait 10 days or so before I really start giving it a hard thought,” he said.
The Belmont will be run without a Triple Crown attempt for the second straight year. Last year, Giacomo won the Derby and Afleet Alex came back and took the Preakness and Belmont.Source: msnbc.msn.com

Sunriver targets the Belmont Stakes

2006-05-22T08:31:00.000-07:00

The field for the Preakness on Monday appeared to be growing significantly. But you still won't find Sunriver among the list of horses being considered for the middle jewel of Thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown.
Third to Barbaro in the Florida Derby, but excluded from the Kentucky Derby due to insufficient graded stakes earnings, Sunriver would have been a logical contender for the Preakness. But trainer Todd Pletcher has targeted the Belmont Stakes for Sunriver and plans to use Saturday's Grade 2, $200,000 Peter Pan as the best way to get there.
Sunriver has not run since finishing 3 1/2 lengths behind Barbaro in the Florida Derby on April 1. Pletcher said he didn't think it was wise to run in the Preakness against Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro off a seven-week layoff.
"That's a big part of it," Pletcher said Monday from Monmouth Park, where he was checking on his string based at the Oceanport, N.J., track. "I don't mind a little extra time. I don't know that you want to go into the Preakness off a seven-week rest. The Peter Pan is a reasonably good spot and should set him up well for the Belmont."
On Sunday, Sunriver worked five furlongs in 1:00.02 over Belmont's main track.
Sunriver, a full brother to Pletcher's champion filly Ashado, won a 1 1/8-mile maiden race at Aqueduct last November, his second career start. He headed to Florida among the plethora of 3-year-olds Pletcher tried to point down the Triple Crown trail. After finishing second in an entry-level allowance race on Jan. 15 at Gulfstream, Sunriver ran seventh in the Holy Bull over a sloppy track. Pletcher took a step back with Sunriver and ran him in an allowance race on March 4 rather than the Fountain of Youth. Sunriver won that race, then finished third in the Florida Derby.
When more than 20 horses were entered for the Derby, Sunriver was excluded because he ranked 21st on the graded-stakes earnings list with $100,000.
"We wish he could have gotten a chance to run because he was doing very well," Pletcher said. "We felt like when we went to Florida he was a horse who had a chance to be a Derby horse. The Holy Bull kind of messed us up and he didn't get any graded earnings. He ran very well in the Florida Derby, which was obviously flattered by Barbaro's performance in the Kentucky Derby. Maybe it'll turn out to be a blessing. We'll take a softer route and maybe it'll pay dividends in the fall."
With such horses as Diabolical, Greeley's Legacy, and Platinum Couple now being considered for the Preakness, the field for the Peter Pan was in flux Monday. In addition to Sunriver, who will be ridden by Rafael Bejarano, others pointing to the race are Strong Contender, Hesanoldsalt, Ice N Lemon, Lewis Michael, Putonyerdancinshuz, and Testimony. Harborage and Really Indian are possible.
Source: horseracing.sportsline.com