Belmont Park: J P's Gusto headed to Charles Town

Though nominated to Saturday’s $250,000 Woody Stephens Stakes, J.P.’s Gusto will instead run in the $400,000 Red Legend Stakes on June 18 at Charles Town. Both races are at seven furlongs.

The Red Legend will mark the return to sprint racing for J.P.’s Gusto, who had gone winless in six starts around two turns after winning the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity last September at seven furlongs. The race will also mark the first start J.P’s Gusto will make for trainer Mike Hushion, who received the horse in early April. J.P’s Gusto had previously been trained by Joe Petalino and before him David Hofmans.

“The owners wanted to run in the race with the larger purse,’’ Hushion said, referring to owner John Waken.

Hushion also said that Rodman, the runner-up in the Metropolitan Handicap, will be pointed to the Grade 2, $300,000 Suburban here on July 2.

Tania Luzzi hospitalized

Jockey Mike Luzzi took off his mounts on Wednesday to be with his wife Tania, who was hospitalized Tuesday with a head injury when she fell at her Floral Park home.

According to Harry Rice, Luzzi’s valet, Tania Luzzi was alert and conscious at Winthrop Hospital in Long Island. Rice said that Tania Luzzi has some fluid leaking from her brain and may need to undergo a surgical procedure.

Rice said Mike Luzzi hoped to return to riding on Thursday at Belmont.