Intrepid Heart steps toward Belmont Stakes with Keeneland win

Intrepid Heart needed every bit of 1 1/16 miles to score Friday as the favorite in Keeneland’s eighth race, and that’s part of why trainer Todd Pletcher views the unbeaten colt as a possible Belmont Stakes runner.

Under John Velazquez, the son of Tapit stalked the pace, rallied three wide through the turn and tracked down pace-setting High Crime in the final strides. His final time was 1:43.39 while off at 3-2 in a particularly salty group of nine.

From here, with Intrepid Heart continuing to progress up the ladder, Belmont Park’s May 11 Peter Pan (G3) looks like a logical spot to prep for the third leg of the Triple Crown run June 8.

He debuted Feb. 18 with a 7 3/4-length victory at Oaklawn Park, sparking Kentucky Derby speculation. Pletcher has opted for more patient handling given Intrepid Heart’s family ties.

The task was tougher than it appeared Friday. High Crime, a serious upset threat, cruised through moderate fractions of 24.14, 48.28 and 1:12.40. Intrepid Heart came off the turn with work to do and responded well once under urging by Velazquez, going on to score narrowly outside of High Crime.

Behind the runner-up were Frolic More, last seen in the Risen Star (G2); debut winner Get the Prize; and Gun It, the $2.6 million yearling and member of Gun Runner's family.