Setsuko may try Belmont Stakes

Setsuko has returned home and is under consideration for the Belmont, trainer Richard Mandella said this week. Runner-up in the Santa Anita Derby, Setsuko did not draw into the Kentucky Derby field due to insufficient graded stakes earnings, and instead raced April 30 in the Grade 2 American Turf at Churchill. He finished fourth, possibly uncomfortable with the wet turf.

"He's back home and seems in good shape," Mandella said. "I would consider the Belmont."

Mandella-trained Witty, the 2009 Railbird winner who suffered her first loss from five starts April 8 at Keeneland, also has returned home and will resume serious training later this week.

"She'll be fine, but she did have an excuse back there," Mandella said, referring to mucus that showed up in a post-race exam.

Witty has recovered from her sickness, and could be pointed toward the Grade 2 A Gleam Handicap on July 17.