Master Fencer uses Keeneland as training base for Belmont Stakes

Katsumi Yoshizawa’s Master Fencer, elevated to sixth in the Kentucky Derby following the disqualification of Maximum Security, returned to the track for training Wednesday at Churchill Downs, but not for long.

After appearing again Thursday, he left for nearby Keeneland in Lexington, Ky., to train up to the June 8 Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown series.

“It is quieter there and he liked it (when he was there before the Derby),” said Sean Toriumi, who is assisting trainer Koichi Tsunoda’s team here. “The owner liked it over there, too. Master Fencer will use both the all-weather training track and main track and leave for Belmont Park June 4.”

Julien Leparoux, who rode Master Fencer in the Derby, retains the mount.

Each of Maximum Security, Country House, Tacitus, Plus Que Parfait and Tax have been mentioned as possible for the Belmont as well exiting last weekend's Derby.