More than a dozen 3-year-olds are being considered for the 1 1/2 mile BELMONT STAKES (G1) on June 5 at Belmont Park, the third jewel of the American Triple Crown.
Following a rollercoaster ride in the first two legs of the Crown in which MEDINA SPIRIT won the Kentucky Derby (G1) but then tested positive due to findings of a trace of betamethasone, an allowed therapeutic medication but with a 15-day withdrawal time, and ROMBAUER upset the latter in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes (G1).
Ontario-bred WEYBURN (Pioneerofthe Nile), owned and bred by Chiefswood Stable, had a workout May 14 at Belmont, four furlongs in 49.10, and appears to be still on track for the Belmont. The Jimmy Jerkens-trained colt missed the May 8 Peter Pan Stakes (G3) won by Promise Keeper due to a temperature.
Weyburn was fourth in the Wood Memorial (G2) following his upset win in the Gotham Stakes (G3).
Just one Canadian-bred has won the Belmont Stakes, Victory Gallop, bred by Ivan Dalos, in 1998.
Rombauer is headed to Belmont May 17 following his impressive Preakness score in which he posted a 102 Beyer Speed Figure. Runner-up Midnight Bourbon could also continue to the Belmont.
Essential Quality may have moved a step closer to the Belmont Stakes with his workout during the weekend at Churchill Downs.
Although he was not represented in the Preakness, trainer Brad Cox’s Derby duo of Essential Quality and Mandaloun both recorded easy half-mile moves early Saturday morning. Essential Quality worked in 50.2 seconds; Mandaloun breezed in :48.20.
Cox and Godolphin reported following the Derby that Essential Quality would be considered for the third jewel of racing’s Triple Crown, the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes. A next-race option for Mandaloun is still to be announced.
POSSIBLE BELMONT STAKES ENTRIES
Essential Quality
4th, 2021 Kentucky Derby (G1) View Video
Malathaat
1st, 2021 Kentucky Oaks (G1)
Midnight Bourbon
2nd, 2021 Preakness Stakes (G1) View Video
Hot Rod Charlie
3rd, 2021 Kentucky Derby (G1) View Video
Known Agenda
9th, 2021 Kentucky Derby (G1) View Video
Rock Your World
17th, 2021 Kentucky Derby (G1) View Video
Rombauer
1st, 2021 Preakness Stakes (G1) View Video
Rebel’s Romance
1st, 2021 UAE Derby (G2) View Video
Weyburn
4th, 2021 Wood Memorial (G2) View Video
Brooklyn Strong
15th, 2021 Kentucky Derby (G1)
Keepmeinmind
4th, 2021 Preakness Stakes (G1) View Video
Promise Keeper
1st, 2021 Peter Pan (G3) View Video
France Go de Ina
7th, 2021 Preakness Stakes (G1) View Video
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