Belmont 2012: Mark Valeski 'doubtful' to start; Dwyer a possibility

Mark Valeski, who won the Peter Pan Stakes on May 12 and has been considered a top contender for the Belmont Stakes on June 9, is now “doubtful” for the final leg of the Triple Crown, trainer Larry Jones said Monday, citing the colt’s lack of energy since the Peter Pan.

“Mark’s actually doing OK, but he got a little tired after the race,” Jones said Monday from Churchill Downs, where Mark Valeski was sent after the Peter Pan. “He doesn’t have the same energy level. It’s looking like the Belmont is more and more doubtful. He’s not showing a lot of sparkle.

“I’m not saying he’s 100 percent out. But we may end up bypassing the Belmont and just waiting for the Dwyer.”

The Dwyer, at 1 1/16 miles, is June 30.

Jones said he had not worked Mark Valeski since the Peter Pan, and had no plans to do so until he perks up in his training.

“He’s acting like he’s a little knocked out,” Jones said.