The hope of a large field in the Belmont is starting to look today like a small field--maybe as few as 6. One defection is Great Hunter, finishing near the back of the pack in the Derby, who was injured in a workout and will miss the Belmont. He will be pointed towards a campaign in the Fall. Another defection is Chelokee. Trainer Michael Matz (he of Barbaro fame) announced that it was "too much, too soon" to expose Chelokee to a mile and a half race after a big win in the Barbaro Stakes on Preakness Day.
One positive development is the replacement of Hard Spun jockey Mario Pino by Garrett Gomez. I like Mario Pino. He's a good rider with a lot of talent. But, just about everyone believes he gunned Hard Spun way too soon in the Preakness and his connections believe it cost him the race. Garrett Gomez is hot right now and he is one of the best riders for horses that need to be "on or close" to the lead. I still think Hard Spun is going to make believers of a lot of fans when he wires the Belmont. We'll see.
Curlin has come out of the Preakness is good shape and he's been galloping over a mile- a very good sign. Street Sense's connections will make a decision (they say) by Wednesday whether they will go in the Belmont. Street Sense galloped the Belmont distance and came out of it in good order. It would be nice to see a "rubber match" in the Belmont.
Other "confirmed" starters include I'mawildandcrazyguy, Slew's Tizzy and Tiago. The super filly, Rags To Riches, is now on the fence. I don't know what's prompted the sudden "we don't know". Shug McGaughey looked like he would run Sightseeing; but, they're now not sure. Shug may be thinking turf for his trainee. Nobiz Like Shobiz has gone from "yes" to "maybe" to "no"--typical of Barclay Tagg--don't be surprised if Nobiz shows up in the entry box on June 6th.
French invader, Cristobal, now seems unlikely to make the trans-Atlantic trip. He's run one race, which he won. The Belmont is asking an awful lot real soon. His connections are having some second thoughts---and well they should!
Before signing off, please keep Belmont jockey, Andrew Lakeman, in your thoughts and prayers. Lakeman was severely injured this past Friday at Belmont Park when his mount broke down. He is in Long Island's North Shore Medical Center in the intensive care unit with severe internal and spinal injuries. He is in a coma and on a ventilator. Our good wishes are with him.
May the horse be with you,
Racetrack Lenny
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