Ax Man, Core Beliefs bring California feel to Peter Pan

Ax Man and Core Beliefs are expected to be flown to New York on Wednesday from Southern California to run in Saturday’s Grade 3, $350,000 Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park.

Ax Man, trained by Bob Baffert, and Core Beliefs, trained by Peter Eurton, will head a field of eight expected for the 1 1/8-mile race, which typically produces runners for the Belmont Stakes on June 9.

Ax Man, a half-brother to the champion Indian Blessing, has won two of three starts. On Monday, he worked five furlongs in 1:00.40 at Santa Anita.

Core Beliefs, a son of Quality Road, finished third, 9 1/2 lengths behind Justify, in the Santa Anita Derby, his first start against winners following a maiden win on March 8. Justify came out of that race to win last Saturday’s Kentucky Derby and remain undefeated in four career starts.

“It was his first out against winners,” Eurton said Monday from California. “I think he held his own. I think he’s getting better with each start. He’s got a great mind, takes things very well.”

Eurton said Tyler Baze would come to ride Core Beliefs, who is not Triple Crown nominated.

Blended Citizen, who made the first seven starts of his career in California before heading out on the road, is also expected for the Peter Pan. Blended Citizen, who won the Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park in March, was entered in the Kentucky Derby, but did not draw in from the also-eligible list.

Also expected to be entered Wednesday for the Peter Pan are Gotta Go, High North, Pony Up, Just Whistle, and Zing Zang. On Monday, Zing Zang, trained by Steve Asmussen, worked a half-mile in 49.65 seconds over the Belmont main track.

Diamond King, winner of the Federico Tesio at Laurel in his last start, is possible. He is also being considered for the Preakness, according to owner Chuck Zacney.