By Heather Anderson
Steve Sherack reports on the latest news from Belmont Park.
Although lacking a private training session for the GI Belmont S. runners–half of the field of eight–headed by the imposing dual Classic winner American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile), strutted their stuff over the main track after the 8:30 a.m. renovation break Thursday.
They packed the rail by the clubhouse turn gap to get ready to catch a glimpse of the GI Kentucky Derby and GI Preakness S. hero train while Mubtaahij (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) took a tour of the paddock on another chilly and overcast morning in Elmont, New York.
Trainer Mike de Kock and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. chatted by the famed Secretariat statue as the G2 UAE Derby winner made his rounds with an exercise rider aboard. Ortiz Jr. took over the riding duties nearing the tunnel and the Derby eighth-place finisher headed off the wrong way before turning around and blowing out three furlongs in an easy :37.61.
The smooth-striding 2-year-old champ, meanwhile, took care of business as usual, too, galloping over a highly populated main track for the first time since his well-documented Tuesday afternoon arrival over a highly populated main track. Ears forward while under a tight hold when hitting the wire, he continues to thrive throughout the grueling Triple Crown series as his date with destiny nears.
“When he's happy, he really enjoys running,” Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert offered. “I think he was happy to get out there and take a spin around the track. His exercise rider said he was pretty tough and wanted to do a lot more. It was a very good sign.”
For the few that chose to stay behind as the Zayat homebred headed back to his temporary home at the John Terranova barn, Keen Ice (Curlin) and Frosted (Tapit) were next up to bat. The former was on his toes for his first trip to the track since his Tuesday arrival from Kentucky. The Donegal Racing colorbearer, seventh in the Derby, jogged two laps around the mighty 1 1/2-mile oval before exiting through the paddock.
The track was much more quiet when the GI TwinSpires.com Wood Memorial hero made his entrance at 9:25 a.m. The flashy gray appears to have bounced out of his rallying fourth in the “Run for Roses” in top form if Thursday's gallop was any indication. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin saddled 2006 Belmont S. hero Jazil (Seeking the Gold), who, you guessed it, also completed the superfecta on the first Saturday in May.
In honor of Saturday's main event, it was announced that the iconic Empire State Building will be lit up in green and white. Talk about setting the stage…
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