Commanding Curve breezes for Belmont Stakes

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Commanding Curve on Friday recorded his first breeze since his runner-up finish in the Kentucky Derby, working a half-mile in 48 4/5 seconds over a “good” track at Churchill Downs as he prepares for the June 7 Belmont Stakes.

He breezed in company with the runner-up from the 2013 Derby, stablemate Golden Soul. The two were given identical times by track clockers.

“It was just easy – he showed good energy,” trainer Dallas Stewart said of Commanding Curve. “We’re focusing on the Belmont. He’ll have another work next week.”

Regular exercise rider Emerson Chavez was aboard for the breeze.

Stewart said the plan is for his horse to have his final work before the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park.

Commanding Curve, a 3-year-old ridgling by Master Command owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, ran third in the Louisiana Derby prior to his runner-up finish behind California Chrome in the Kentucky Derby.

In the days following the Kentucky Derby, his connections decided it was better to await the Belmont instead of bringing him back on two weeks’ rest in the Preakness.

“We’re trying to space his races, look after longevity for the horses, and it’s probably the right thing to do,” Stewart said.

Also breezing Friday at Churchill was Grade 3 Eight Belles Stakes winner Fiftyshadesofgold, who went a half-mile in 50.40 seconds. Trainer Bret Calhoun is pointing her for the Grade 1 Acorn, a one-mile dirt race on the Belmont Stakes undercard.