Report: Baffert could saddle two Belmont Stakes 2018 contenders

Trainer Bob Baffert could start a so-called new shooter in the 2018 Belmont Stakes, which will be headlined June 9 for his colt Justify's run at a Triple Crown sweep.

Baffert told the Daily Racing Form on Tuesday that Restoring Hope, who the Hall of Famer has touted as a potential classic contender dating back to his Feb. 2 maiden win, is under consideration to run.

“We’re looking at it very seriously with him,” Baffert told DRF.” If he’s doing well, [owner Gary West] wants to take a shot at it -- maybe get a piece of it.”

Restoring Hope, a son of Giant's Causeway, is as with Justify stabled for now at Churchill Downs, where he worked a bullet five furlongs Monday in a minute flat. The horse was 12th of 14 last out on the Kentucky Derby undercard, albeit it over a sloppy track in the Grade 3 Pat Day Mile.

Baffert intended to start Restoring Hope in the Sunland Derby, but the race filled, and the colt missed the race on earnings. So he shipped East for a tougher test in the Wood Memorial, finishing third behind the dueling Vino Rosso and Enticed.

West, along with his wife, Mary, has campaigned a number of top Baffert runners, including multiple Grade 1 winner West Coast, now considered among the best older horses in training.