Update on a trio of Pletcher runners, including Dr Post to Haskell
St. Elias Stables' Dr Post, runner-up in the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes, breezed a half-mile in 49 flat Sunday on the Belmont training track in company with Happy Saver, a 3-year-old Super Saver chestnut who dazzled on debut on Belmont Stakes Day when 5 1/2-lengths the best in a seven-furlong maiden.
"It was their work back since they both ran on Belmont Day," said Pletcher. "It was a good work with an energetic gallop out. I was happy with both of them."
Pletcher said Dr Post is likely to make his next start in the Grade 1 Haskell Stakes on July 18 at Monmouth Park.
"We'll see how he bounces of this. I'll talk to the connections but right now I'd say we're likely for the Haskell," said Pletcher.
2020 Haskell Stakes (G1)
| Rank | Silks | Horse / Sire | Rating | Trainer / Jockey | Last Start | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authentic Into Mischief | B. Baffert |
| Probable | ||||
| Basin Liam's Map | S. Asmussen |
| Probable | ||||
| Ete Indien Summer Front | P. Biancone |
| Probable | ||||
| Sole Volante Karakontie | P. Biancone |
| Probable | ||||
| Dr Post Quality Road | T. Pletcher |
| Probable | ||||
| Shivaree Awesome of Course | R. Nicks |
| Probable | ||||
| Ny Traffic Cross Traffic | S. Joseph, Jr. |
| Probable | ||||
| Tap It to Win Tapit | M. Casse |
| Probable | ||||
| Max Player Honor Code | L. Rice |
| Probable | ||||
| Pneumatic Uncle Mo | S. Asmussen |
| Probable |
Repole Stable and Eclipse Thoroughbreds' Moretti followed up on his June 11 Flat Out romp with a runner-up effort in the Saturday's Grade 2 Suburban won by 8 3/4-lengths by Tacitus.
The 4-year-old Medaglia d'Oro colt, with Hall of Famer Javier Castellano up, tracked the early pace from fourth and battled gamely to the wire to complete the exacta by a neck over Parsimony.
"I was proud of him for fighting it out for second. It seems like he's continuing to improve as he gets older. The winner was very good on the day," said Pletcher.
Pletcher said the $100,000 Birdstone at 1 3/4-miles on August 2 and the 10-furlong Grade 1 Woodward Handicap on September 5 loom as possible options at the Spa for Moretti.
"We'll keep all our options in place. He seems to thrive at longer distances," said Pletcher. "The Birdstone is out there and the mile and a quarter Woodward would be something to keep an eye on as well."
Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Chrysalis Stables and Robert V. LaPenta's stakes-placed Farmington Road breezed a half-mile in 49.60 Saturday on the Belmont inner turf.
The Quality Road colt was off-the-board last out in the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes and Pletcher said a turf debut is under consideration.
"He seemed to handle it well. We'll see how he breezes back," said Pletcher. "We're exploring some options and don't have any firm plans yet."