Churchill Downs to live stream special Belmont Stakes 2018 training
Triple Crown hopeful Justify is expected to return to the track at 7:30 a.m. Thursday at Churchill Downs to begin his preparations for the 2018 Belmont Stakes. He won't be alone out there, but the dual classic winner will maintain only select company until shipping to New York for the June 9 race.
Churchill, as it does for contenders in the days leading up to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks, will close its track to all but Belmont horses for 10 minutes each day ahead of the Triple Crown series' final leg.
“That’s nice," said Jimmy Barnes, the assistant trainer to Bob Baffert overseeing Justify's track work at Churchill. "We enjoy that.”
Churchill Downs will live stream the daily exercises with commentary at KentuckyDerby.com/Works. Locally, fans are invited to watch from the track's first floor at no cost.
Three total horses considered probable for the Belmont are also based at Churchill, with Preakness Stakes runner-up Bravazo from the D. Wayne Lukas barn and Steve Asmussen-trained third-place finisher Tenfold also on the grounds. Both are expected to utilize the special training time.
Trainer Dale Romans will also send out Free Drop Billy at 7:30 a.m. Thursday. Last seen finishing 16th in the Kentucky Derby, the colt is possible to run in the Belmont, or could try turf later this summer.
Romans said who goes in the Belmont won't sway his decision, but rather "it's just him" -- if Free Drop Billy shows he's up to the task. Romans added that Kentucky Derby pace setter Promises Fulfilled will go on the Belmont undercard in the Woody Stephens (G2) at seven furlongs.
Restoring Hope, who was 12th in the Pat Day Mile (G3), also hails from the Baffert barn and is stabled at Churchill. It's appearing less likely by the day that Solomini will join the Belmont fray, but he too is still in Louisville after running 10th in the Derby.
Trainer Tom Amoss said Lone Sailor, fifth in the Preakness, will jog at 5:45 a.m. Thursday, his first back on track. He is not currently under consideration for the Belmont.