Pandagate targeting July comeback

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Pandagate, the New York-bred 3-year-old who finished third in the $1 million UAE Derby in March, worked a half-mile in 50.11 seconds Thursday morning at Belmont Park as he prepares for a return to the races, likely in July.

One potential spot for Pandagate is the $150,000 New York Derby at Finger Lakes on July 15, trainer Christophe Clement said.

Pandagate beat New York-breds handily in the Gander Stakes in February at Aqueduct. Doc Sullivan, the runner-up from that race, won last Sunday’s Mike Lee Stakes and is likely for the New York Derby. Pandagate shipped to Dubai on March 30 where he finished third, 6 1/4 lengths behind Forever Young, who would come within a nose of winning the Kentucky Derby.

“He came back well, in very good order, we worked him once [on May 1]. I was not happy with the way he came out of the work afterwards so we just gave him some time,” Clement said.

Thursday’s move was Pandagate’s second work in June.

“There are plenty of races for him, we’ll nominate to all the dirt races in July,” Clement said.

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