Caddo River bypasses Matt Winn for G1 Woody Stephens

In a change of plans, Caddo River is pointed to the Grade 1, $400,000 Woody Stephens on the June 5 Belmont Stakes undercard, trainer Brad Cox told Horse Racing Nation in a text message.

Caddo River had been expected to make his next start in Saturday's Matt Winn (G3) at Churchill Downs. Cox said that had been the plan since the day after the Kentucky Derby, which Caddo River sat out after spiking a fever.

After multiple starts around two turns, Caddo River will be cutting back to seven furlongs in the Woody Stephens. His first two races – both second-place efforts – were at that distance. The Hard Spun colt broke his maiden on third try going a mile, and each of his races since have been at that distance or longer.

Caddo River has not raced since finishing second in the Arkansas Derby (G1) on April 10.

The Shortleaf Stable homebred has been working at Churchill Downs, most recently breezing five furlongs in 1:00.2 on Sunday.