Belmont Stakes News and Views
May 22, 2009 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Horses, Trainers, Triple Crown
Charitable Man has been confirmed as a definite starter for the Belmont Stakes. The Kiaran McLaughlin runner is 3-3 on conventional dirt and 2-2 at Big Sandy. His sire Lemon Drop Kid won the Test of Champions in 1999, and he owns the right early/pressing style to succeed in the final leg of the Triple Crown.
Mine That Bird is currently training at Churchill for his upcoming Belmont engagement. Mike Smith has a prior riding commitment in SoCal, and Borel will stick with Rachel Alexandra if she goes, so Chip Woolley still needs a pilot for his Derby winner. Expect a jockey to be named early next week.
It wouldn’t be the Belmont without Nick Zito , and two of his probables worked in company on May 21st.
Peter Pan show finisher Brave Victory got his four furlongs in :48.55, and stablemate and Tesio winner Miner’s Escape was right with him at :48.56.
Zito could also be represented by Nowhere To Hide. Chocolate Candy , Dunkirk, Flying Private, Luv Gov, Mr. Hot Stuff, and Summer Bird are also Belmont bound.
Image: Newscom
