Belmont Stakes 2017: Romans says J Boys Echo ready to go
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Albaugh Family Stable's J Boys Echo is still in good order one week after putting in his final breeze before the Belmont Stakes and is ready to go in tomorrow's 'Test of the Champion,' trainer Dale Romans said Friday morning.
"He has done well, Saturday was the best work he has ever had," Romans said. "Anyone who has watched him work over his entire career knows he is not a real work horse. Anyone can win this race. I think you will see a good horse emerge from this race. It's been wide open all year."
J Boys Echo, winner of the Grade 3 Gotham in his last New York start on March 4, had a bad trip finishing 15th in the Kentucky Derby. After skipping the Preakness, Romans said the Mineshaft colt is well-rested and geared up for the 1 ½-mile Belmont.
"I think he'll get the distance. And throw the Derby out. That was the worst start I have ever seen in the Kentucky Derby," Romans said.
J Boys Echo drew post 4 in the 12-horse field with morning-line odds of 15-1. Jockey Robby Albarado will have the call.
"Anyone can win it," Romans said. "I think you will see a good horse emerge from this race. It has been wide open all year. It's an odd race when you don't have the Derby or Preakness winner in it. Automatically, you are going to figure if you don't have the two best 3-year-olds, you are going to knock the race. But let's wait six months and then look back and see if that is completely correct."
Source: NYRA Communications
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