Connections ‘not committing’ Free Drop Billy to Belmont 2018

That Free Drop Billy was considered probable for the 2018 Belmont Stakes as of Saturday evening came as news to Jason Loutsch, racing manager for the colt’s owner, Albaugh Family Stable.

Loutsch said Monday — after Free Drop Billy worked a half mile in a bullet 47.60 seconds at Churchill Downs — that “we’re going to look at it — not committing yet. It’s either that, or we’ll try the grass.”

That leaves a field of six rivals probable to take on Justify in the June 9 finale to the Triple Crown series. For now, Dale Romans-trained Free Drop Billy’s a possible addition.

“We’ll let it play out this week — see who’s going and what kind of a field it’s going to be,” Loutsch said. “Honestly, we’d love to be in that race with (Justify) going for the Triple Crown. It’s on the radar for sure. We’re going to look at it. But I don’t have a definite answer right now.”

Last out, Free Drop Billy put in an admittedly disappointing Kentucky Derby effort, finishing 16th in the slop.

“I don’t know what happened,” Loutsch said. “We thought it was sitting perfect — whether it was the track or dirt in his face, I don’t know what stopped him at the 3/8 pole.”

There are arguments for both sides of the Belmont Stakes debate.

Loutsch and company also took notice on Dubai World Cup night when Hawkbill, a 5-year-old half brother to Free Drop Billy, won the Group 2 Dubai Sheema Classic on turf going a mile and a half. Should he not go to the Belmont Stakes, a race such as the July 7 Belmont Derby could be targeted.

But in terms of the dirt, Free Drop Billy is by Union Rags, the 2012 Belmont winner. And aside from the Derby and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile — both mystifying efforts for connections — he’s hit the board in all seven of his other starts.

“So there are some reasons, and being in a big race like that would be fun,” Loutsch said. “But we’re going to do what’s best for the horse.”

Stay tuned.