Tapwrit a creditable third to Timeline in return from layoff

ELMONT, N.Y. – Tapwrit, last year’s Belmont Stakes winner, finished third in his return to the races Sunday off a 10-month layoff, but his connections left the race feeling pretty good about the rest of the year.

After bobbling at the start, Tapwrit pressed a hot pace, made the lead at the quarter pole, and then gave way grudgingly as Timeline, last year’s Grade 3 Peter Pan Stakes winner, rallied to a 1 1/4-length victory. Tapwrit lost a nose decision for second to Hoffenheim while getting third by a nose over stablemate You’re to Blame.

Tapwrit was making his first start since he finished fourth in last year’s Travers Stakes at Saratoga. He had been absent owing to a foot problem that required him to run with an aluminum pad on his right front foot.

On Sunday, he broke outward under Jose Ortiz, quickly recovered, and was pressing the pace three wide. He made the lead shortly after running six furlongs in 1:09.11. Tapwrit had the lead turning for home, but a stubborn Hoffenheim ran with him in deep stretch while Timeline rallied late to get the victory.

“He put himself in the race; he wasn’t able to do that last year,” Ortiz said. “He was there with them without me wanting to be there. I’m very happy with the way he kicked on at the quarter pole.”

Timeline, ridden by Javier Castellano for Chad Brown, ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:40.87 and returned $4.40 as the favorite.

Todd Pletcher, the trainer of Tapwrit, said he was “very, very pleased” with his colt’s effort, and it could set him up for the Grade 2 Suburban at 1 1/4 miles on July 7.

“Obviously, he had a right to get tired the last part, not only with the layoff but with those kind of fractions, carrying 124 pounds,” Pletcher said. “Naturally, we wanted to win, but all things considered, I thought it was a big effort and hopefully a sign of big things to come this summer.”

For Timeline, the win was his first since beginning his career with four consecutive victories, including the Peter Pan. He had finished third in his return April 20.

“I thought Javier did a remarkable job adapting to the pace scenario and putting him in a comfortable position and timing it perfectly,” said Whit Beckman, assistant to Brown.

It was not immediately clear where Timeline might make his next start.