Mind Control, sixth in sloppy Carter, aims for G1 Vanderbilt

Trainer Gregg Sacco said his dual Grade 1 winner Mind Control failed to handle a sloppy Belmont surface when sixth in Saturday's Grade 1 Runhappy Carter Handicap.

Mind Control captured the Hopeful (G1) as a juvenile and the H. Allen Jerkens (G1) in August. He entered Saturday's test off of Grade 3 wins in the Toboggan and Tom Fool Handicap at Aqueduct.

With Hall of Famer John Velazquez up, Mind Control tracked from fourth position in the early running of Saturday's seven-furlong sprint but failed to fire when asked.

"He didn't like the track. He just didn't grab a hold of it and Johnny said he was spinning his wheels," said Sacco. "He broke sharp and Johnny said he was going to track Vekoma, but when the running started he just wouldn't pick up his feet."

Sacco said Mind Control, owned by Red Oak Stable and Madaket Stables, came out of the race in good order and will train into the Grade 1 Vanderbilt at Saratoga.

"He came back well and scoped clean, so we'll move on and point to Saratoga for the Vanderbilt," said Sacco.

RELATED: Belmont Park entries and results

Michael Fazio and Jeff Fazio's Joevia, a strong third in the 2019 Belmont Stakes, was a prominent fourth off the layoff in Saturday's Grade 3 Westchester, which saw Runhappy Travers winner Code of Honor best improving four-time winner Endorsed.

The Shanghai Bobby colt underwent surgery to correct a breathing issue following an off-the-board effort in the Stymie on March 7 at the Big A and Sacco said he was impressed with Joevia's return effort.

"It looks like he's back on track. It was a hot tempo but he hung in there," said Sacco. "The top two are Grade 1 horses and he's probably a cut below them. He cooled out super, and I think the breathing issues are behind us.

"I think he'll be better at longer distances from a mile and an eighth to a mile and a quarter," continued Sacco. "He pressed a hot pace and hung on pretty good. The top three finishers came from off the pace. We'll pick something out for him at Belmont or Saratoga."