Pat On the Back to try open company in Nerud Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. – Pat On the Back, who has won four New York-bred stakes in his last six starts, will make his next start against open company in the Grade 2, $300,000 John A. Nerud Stakes at Belmont on July 6, trainer Jeremiah Englehart said.

Pat On the Back, who won the Affirmed Success at six furlongs and the Commentator at a mile, will now try seven furlongs in the Nerud.

Last year, Pat On the Back won the Saginaw Stakes, a race restricted to New York-breds which this year will be run next Sunday.

“We know what he can do against New York-breds,” Englehart said. “Sometimes you want to give them a chance to compete against open company. I think seven-eighths he can make his run if he’s got a little pace to run at.”

On Sunday, Pat On the Back worked a half-mile in 49.07 seconds over the Belmont main track.