Belmont Field Grows to 10
– Without the Derby or the Preakness winner in the field, the Belmont looks wide open. Ten horses are considered definite for the race and at least three others are under consideration. Among the definites are Bluegrass Cat, second in the Kentucky Derby, and Steppenwolfer, who finished third.
– It’s almost certain that Bluegrass Cat will have a familiar rider aboard in the Belmont. Jockey John Velazquez, out since April with an injury, is working horses for trainer Todd Pletcher in the morning and plans to return to racing early in June. “It’s looking pretty good that Johnny will be able to ride [Bluegrass Cat],” said Pletcher. “He’s been working the horse the last few days and hopefully he’s going to start riding next week.”
– Honey Ryder finally figured out the Belmont turf, winning the Sheepshead Bay Handicap by one length over Noble Stella. She finished fifth in the same race last year and was 0-for-5 over the Belmont grass until Saturday. “The difference between this year and last year and that she was covered up and inside this time,” said trainer Todd Pletcher. “Last year, she was never able to relax.”
