Arcangelo could have first work since the Belmont next week

ELMONT, N.Y. – Belmont Stakes winner Arcangelo has been in Saratoga for a few weeks now and while he’s in regular training he has not yet returned to the work tab.

Trainer Jena Antonucci said Friday that Arcangelo could have his first work back the middle of next week. While Antonucci said nothing is set in stone, she indicated as though training up to the Travers on Aug. 26 is the initial plan.

“Obviously, we know the Dandy and Travers are sitting there, there would likely be a heavier focus to the Travers than the Dandy,” Antonucci said.

Antonucci said Arcangelo has come out of the Belmont in good stead.

“He’s really good, we’re very happy with him, he’s enjoying his environment and round pen,” she said. “He really enjoyed being here last summer too.”

Belmont Derby, Oaks fields shaping up

Entries for the $750,000 Belmont Derby and the $500,000 Belmont Oaks, the final two Grade 1 stakes of the Belmont meet to be run July 8, are to be taken Monday.

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The Derby, at 1 1/4 miles, is expected to attract Boppy O, Far Bridge, Kalik, Mendelssohns March, Mondego, Redestricting, Silver Knott, The Foxes, Webslinger, and Wizard of Westwood.

The Oaks, at 1 1/4 miles, is expected to attract Allamericanbeauty, Aspen Grove, Aspray, Be Your Best, Freydis the Red, Mission of Joy, Papilio, Prerequisite, and Strikingly Spun. Malleymoo and Speirling Beag are listed as possible.

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