Gormley, Irish War Cry get acquainted with track
BELMONT PARK
Weather: Sunny
Track: Fast
Temp.: 61
By Mike Welsch
ELMONT, N.Y. – Irish War Cry and Gormley finally joined the party here Thursday morning, with the entire field now on the grounds and making final preparations for Saturday’s Belmont Stakes.
Eleven of the 12 prospective Belmont starters were out on the main track to train in unseasonably cool weather here Thursday. Only Japanese invader Epicharis stayed in the barn while dealing with a foot issue that has put his starting status for the race in jeopardy.
Irish War Cry and Gormley went to the track almost simultaneously shortly after 7 a.m. on Thursday. Both were given the opportunity to stretch their legs and acclimate to the unfamiliar surface while galloping about 1 5/8 miles.
Irish War Cry has suddenly become the likely Belmont favorite following the defection of Classic Empire from the lineup due to a hoof issue.
Tapwrit looked particularly sharp Thursday, showing nice energy while coming down the stretch about a sixteenth of a mile in front of stablemate and fellow Belmont starter Patch. Meantime, who came out within minutes of the track opening at 5:30 a.m., was on his toes and likely will be the controlling speed of the race.
Twisted Tom continues to make a favorable impression. He and J Boys Echo were the only Belmont starters to train after the renovation break Thursday. J Boys Echo had a few anxious moments, balking for several minutes near the 4 1/2-furlong pole while jogging along the outside fence under regular rider Tammy Fox before reversing direction and galloping without further incident following some prodding by the outrider.
None in the Belmont field has touted himself in the morning here over the past couple of weeks, like many winners have done in recent years, with Tonalist, Union Rags and, of course, the great American Pharoah quickly coming to mind. That said, unlike in most previous renewals, most in this year’s lineup completed most of their preparation prior to shipping to New York.
Twisted Tom was perhaps the most impressive local worker during the final two weeks leading up to the race, holding his own in company with the Grade 1-caliber older horse Economic Model on a couple of occasions. Tapwrit also looked good while getting the better of Patch during their team breeze for trainer Todd Pletcher over the main track on June 2.
Lookin At Lee and Senior Investment both looked very sharp while turning in maintenance half-mile breezes here this week and seem to have bounced out of those works in good form. Epicharis was given an official five-furlong clocking over the training track Tuesday, but he really only blew out three-eighths and remains a big mystery even if he overcomes his foot problem and makes it into the starting gate.