Ami's Flatter targets Met Mile

ELMONT, N.Y. – Ami’s Flatter, the dominant winner of the Grade 3 Commonwealth Stakes at Keeneland in April, has been confirmed as a starter for the Grade 1, $1.25 million Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park on June 11, trainer Josie Carroll said Wednesday.

“After the Commonwealth, that’s what we targeted,” Carroll said. “We were thrilled with his performance that day and felt he earned a shot at that caliber of a race.”

Ami’s Flatter, a 4-year-old son of Flatter, is 3 for 3 at seven furlongs and had a second and a fourth in a pair of one-turn-mile races at Gulfstream Park.

Martin Garcia is expected to have the call in the Met Mile.

Ami’s Flatter joins a cast that is expected to include Anchor Down, Blofeld, Frosted, Marking, Mshawish, Sloan Avenue, Stanford, Tamarkuz, and Upstart. Unbridled Juan is possible.

Noble Bird, the Pimlico Special winner, is expected to work at Churchill Downs on Friday, and provided that goes well, he will run in the Met Mile, trainer Mark Casse said Wednesday.