Change of scenery may help Rocketry improve in Flat Out Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. – Jimmy Jerkens hopes a return to New York results in a return to form for Rocketry, who heads a field of seven re-entered to run 1 3/8 miles in Thursday’s $100,000 Flat Out Stakes at Belmont Park.

The Flat Out was originally scheduled for last Friday but was postponed when the last five races on that card were canceled due to poor track conditions relating to weather.

The Flat Out will go as race 8 of 9 on Thursday, which will be the first of eight twilight Thursday programs with first post being 3:05 p.m.

Last September, Rocketry made his dirt debut after 14 turf races and won the Temperence Hill Invitational by 1 1/2 lengths. His final time of 2:40.18 for the 1 5/8-miles eclipsed the 98-year-old Belmont Park track record of 2:40.80 held by Man o’ War.

Rocketry came back 33 days later to win the Grade 2 Marathon on Breeders’ Cup Friday at Churchill Downs.

After a bit of a break, Rocketry returned to the races in the $100,000 Skip Away Stakes on March 29 at Gulfstream where he finished fifth, beaten six lengths by Marconi, one of his rivals on Thursday.

“It didn’t set up for him, there was no pace,” Jerkens said. “He’s not going to lay close no matter what you do. When he was kicking in they were kicking in ahead of him because they hadn’t done any running the first part of it either.”

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Jerkens also believes that Rocketry does better in New York than he does in Florida.

“He doesn’t look quite as good down there as he does up here,” Jerkens said.

On Monday, Rocketry blew out three furlongs in 37.05 seconds over the Belmont training track.

“I thought he looked great, I expect him to give us a good run,” Jerkens said.

Tour de Force could play out as the primary speed in the Flat Out.

G Zap, Forewarned, and Marconi complete the field. Trainer Rob Atras did not enter either Roaming Union or Royal Albert Hall back after the race was postponed.

KEY CONTENDERS

Rocketry, by Hard Spun

Last 3 Beyers: 91-100-100

◗ Has shown ability to handle marathon distances on dirt and turf.

◗ Rajiv Maragh was named on him last Friday. Joel Rosario, who was in Kentucky that day, is on him Thursday. Rosario went 2 for 2 on this horse last fall.

Marconi, by Tapit

Last 3 Beyers: 89-83-83

◗ Came through with a breakout performance winning the Skip Away Stakes at Gulfstream first time going beyond 1 1/8 miles.

◗ Moves from post 2 to post 7 after the race was re-drawn.

Monongahela, by K One King

Last 3 Beyers: 93-94-98

◗ In 22 starts, he has 11 second-place finishes, including four straight in stakes races.

◗ Is seeking first win since Dec. 4, 2017.

◗ Moved from post 8 to the rail and picked up Irad Ortiz Jr. after the race was re-drawn.