Noble Indy 'into the mix' for Belmont 2018 run, Pletcher says

While Todd Pletcher said Friday that Audible is no longer under consideration for the 2018 Belmont Stakes, another horse with common ownership to Triple Crown hopeful Justify “put himself into the mix” with a solid breeze at Belmont Park.

Campaigned by a combination of WinStar and Repole Stable, Noble Indy wasn’t able to overcome the No. 19 post position last out, finishing 17th in a sloppy running of the Kentucky Derby. But Pletcher said there were “certainly enough excuses” to warrant another try June 9 at Belmont Park.

“WinStar’s fully on board with running him if the horse continues to do well,” Pletcher added.

Breezing in company with stablemate Vino Rosso, who’s already ticketed for the Belmont, Noble Indy finished up a half mile in 47.04 seconds on the main track. It was a tick faster than Pletcher wanted to see, but he said the duo “both seemed to do it well in hand.”

For now, Noble Indy, a son of Take Charge Indy, is considered possible and not yet probable to go in the Belmont.

“I thought the breeze this morning was, I think, as good as I’ve seen him breeze,” Pletcher said. “He’s a decent work horse, but I thought this morning was the best I’ve seen him go. I think he put himself in the mix today.”

Aside from the Louisiana Derby, Noble Indy ran third in Fair Grounds’ Risen Star (G2) — a race that since the Derby appears much stronger. Eventual Preakness Stakes runner-up Bravazo won it on the front end, and Noble Indy beat fourth-place Kentucky Derby finisher Instilled Regard by a neck for the show.

The Belmont’s 12 furlongs, of course, presents a different sort of challenge for a horse that likes to be near the lead early in races. He will run in Repole’s silks, and could figure as the lone challenger through the opening fractions to Justify.

“Pedigree-wise, the top side of his family being A.P. Indy gives you some hope,” Pletcher said. “It seems like that’s a common name amongst a lot of horses that are successful in the Belmont.

“I think the key is, if he gets into a comfortable flow, a comfortable rhythm, he’s a kind enough horse that I think if he gets into a galloping mode that’s oftentimes what it takes to be successful in this race.”

Both Noble Indy and Vino Rosso worked Friday without blinkers. Pletcher said he’ll consider keeping them off in the Belmont Stakes.