Belmont: Harissa changes target to Shuvee

When Harissa won the Langhorne Stakes by four lengths on March 29 at Parx Racing, it was initially designed to be a prep for the Grade 1 Humana Distaff at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day.

The connections have called an audible and will now point the multiple stakes-winning filly to the Grade 2, $150,000 Shuvee Handicap at Belmont on May 21. The Shuvee is run as a one-turn mile.

Hushion said the Shuvee was chosen of the Human so to not “put her through all the stress of Derby Day.’’

Harissa has proven to be quite versatile. In her last three starts, she won the Sleigh Ride Stakes at a mile and 70 yards in December, the Grade 2 Barbara Fritchie at seven furlongs at Laurel in February, and the Langhorne at 6 1/2 furlongs on March 29.

Meanwhile, Hushion said that Nicole H remains on target for next Saturday’s Grade 2, $150,000 Distaff Handicap going seven furlongs. Nicole H has not run since taking the Interborough Stakes since New Year’s Day, her second consecutive stakes victory over the inner track.

Last Sunday, Nicole H worked five furlongs in 59.25 seconds over the Belmont training track, the fastest of 50 moves at the distance.