The Derby and Preakness Stakes winners could come back in the 10 furlong Belmont (at Saratoga), while Sandman awaits Jim Dandy.
Sandman
Small field of nine will compete in the last Preakness at the current Pimlico racetrack, which will be rebuilt for 2027.
Trainer Mark Casse likes the way Sandman came out of his seventh-place finish in the sloppy-track Derby; post draw Monday night.
The favourite looks strong in the Derby, Woodbine's favourite adopted son Mark Casse trains Sandman, and will rain soak the track?
The Oaks, May 2, and Derby, May 3, are set. Will Woodbine's leading trainer by wins in 2024, Mark Casse, win his first Derby?
The field of 20 is almost set and a number of contenders had workouts on April 19 as the Derby draws within two weeks.
Woodbine's leading trainer will have another shot at a Kentucky Derby with Sandman, the stretch-running grey by Tapit.
Fifteen Florida Derby winners have gone on to win the Kentucky Derby; three Arkansas Derby winners have won at Churchill Downs.
The Rebel Stakes went to 11-to-1 longshot Coal Battle, but it was the Mark Casse-trained Sandman who raised eyebrows with a big finish.
Woodbine's leading trainer Mark Casse won a pile of races in the last two weeks, but it was Sandman's second-place finish that was exciting.
