Honor Up sizzles five furlongs for Commentator Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. – Belmont Park’s main track was fast Friday morning, and no one reflected that more than Honor Up, who blazed five furlongs in 59.03 seconds. Honor Up, who went his first three furlongs in 34.18, is preparing for the $200,000 Commentator Stakes, one of six stakes restricted to New York-breds on May 27.

“We wanted to get a good work; we got it,” trainer Michelle Nevin said.

Honor Up is coming off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Carter going seven furlongs. Prior to that, he won two New York-bred stakes, including the Haynesfield at a mile.

“Can’t ask him to do much more than what he’s done at each distance,” Nevin said.

Honor Up could face Pat On the Back in the Commentator. Pat On the Back was being considered for the Met Mile but might be rerouted to the Commentator.

Nevin will run Le General in the $125,000 Mike Lee Stakes for New York-bred 3-year-olds on May 27. Le General ended his 2-year-old season with two blowout victories against statebreds. He has not run since Dec. 9 owing to a sore suspensory ligament diagnosed in January that took him out of training for 30 days. He resumed working March 1 and breezed five furlongs in 1:03.24 on Thursday.

“He’s a lovely horse, and he’s doing great. We’re excited to be back on track,” Nevin said.