Upstart targets Met Mile

Upstart, fifth in the Oaklawn Handicap last month, is under serious consideration for the Grade 1, $1.25 million Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park on June 11, trainer Rick Violette said.

On Tuesday, Upstart worked a half-mile in 49.60 seconds over Belmont’s main track. It was his first work since the Oaklawn race and his first since arriving at Belmont Park two weeks ago. The Aqueduct backstretch was closed for the summer May 1, and all horses previously based at that track have been moved to either Belmont or Saratoga.

Violette said Upstart will work again this week, only this time he will be equipped with blinkers, equipment he has yet to wear in a race.

Violette said the Oaklawn Handicap “was a position race, and we didn’t get position. He doesn’t get away from there well enough, and he doesn’t help the riders out to get position.”

Violette said he has not firmed up a plan for Samraat, who finished second to Anchor Down in the Grade 3 Westchester Stakes on May 7.