Belmont Stakes contenders continue prep work Wednesday

A talented field of nine sophomores will line up for the 155th running of the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on Saturday at Belmont Park.

With all of the contenders now on the grounds, the Classic-chasing contingent continued their preparations Wednesday for the 1 1/2-mile stamina test over Big Sandy.

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher’s pair each had an easy morning three days out from the test of the champion. Forte, the reigning champion 2-year-old colt, and Grade 1 winner Tapit Trice each had a routine 1 1/4-mile gallop around the dirt training track and then stood in the gate.

Preakness winner National Treasure jogged on the main track for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, two days after breezing five furlongs in 59.55 seconds. Assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes was on hand to manage preparations for the son of Quality Road. Baffert will arrive closer to the race.

Dual Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox will send out a trio of Belmont hopefuls in Angel of Empire, Hit Show and Tapit Shoes.

“So far, so good,” Cox said. “They shipped in yesterday and (look) really good. All three trained on the main track and all settled in well.”

Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Angel of Empire and stakes-placed Tapit Shoes both went out at 6 a.m. EDT, while Withers (G3) winner Hit Show went out around 9 a.m. All three galloped about 1 3/8 miles.

Peter Pan (G3) winner Arcangelo, trained by Jena Antonucci for Jon Ebbert’s Blue Rose Farm, visited the main track for a one-mile gallop under exercise rider Robert Mallari.

“A little feisty, but good. Robert kept him under control out there,” said Ebbert.

Red Route One galloped a mile and a half over the Belmont training track at 6 a.m. under the watchful eye of Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen’s chief assistant Scott Blasi.

“He looked good this morning,” Blasi said.

The son of Gun Runner added blinkers three starts back when sixth in the Arkansas Derby (G1) on April 1 at Oaklawn. He previously was a troubled second in the Rebel (G2) at the Arkansas oval.

“I think he’s been better with them on, he’s been more focused,” Blasi said. “He’s starting to put it together now. Hopefully, we get some pace in the race.”

The Antonio Sano-trained Il Miracolo, who at 30-1 is the longest shot in the field, visited Big Sandy for a routine gallop. The Gun Runner chestnut enters from a front-running score in a Gulfstream Park allowance.