Paradise Creek Stakes might be stretch-out spot for Big Invasion

ELMONT, N.Y. – Big Invasion, who won the William Walker Stakes going 5 1/2 furlongs on May 4 at Churchill Downs, could attempt to stretch out to seven furlongs in Sunday’s $100,000 Paradise Creek Stakes at Belmont Park, trainer Christophe Clement said Monday.

Big Invasion has won three consecutive races, including two at five furlongs. On Sunday, Big Invasion worked a half-mile in 49.41 seconds over the Belmont turf course.

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Joel Rosario rode Big Invasion in the William Walker.

“He worked well yesterday,” Clement said. “Joel thinks he can settle to go seven-eighths, which I’m not sure,” Clement said. “If the ground is firm and it’s a short field, I’m going to have a look at it. Five-eighths is not the same as seven-eighths. Sometimes, unless you try you don’t know.”

Annapolis, who won both of his starts last year before being sidelined with an ankle chip, is among the nominees to the Paradise Creek. However, he is pointing to the Grade 2, $400,000 Penn Mile at Penn National on June 3, trainer Todd Pletcher said Monday.