Belmont Stakes: Animal Kingdom completes preparation with work

ELMONT, N.Y. - Animal Kingdom, the Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness Stakes runner-up, completed his preparations for Saturday's Belmont Stakes with a four-furlong work in 47.79 seconds on Monday morning at Belmont Park. His regular rider, John Velazquez, was aboard for the drill, which occurred shortly after the track reopened following the renovation break at 8:50 a.m. Eastern.

Daily Racing Form clocked Animal Kingdom in fractions of 12.12 for the opening furlong and 23.78 seconds for his opening quarter-mile. He galloped out five furlongs in 1:00.45 and six furlongs in 1:14.20. He worked in company with another horse from trainer Graham Motion's barn, and was outside that one throughout while going far easier.

Owner Barry Irwin discusses Animal Kingdom's training. More video: Animal Kingdom arrives for Belmont »