Todd Pletcher's GI Belmont S.-bound duo of Destin (Giant's Causeway) and Stradivari (Medaglia d'Oro) both put in their final breezes ahead of the June 11 Classic Friday morning over the Belmont training track.
Working under Javier Castellano, Destin hit the track first, working a half-mile in :49.56 (5/42) in company with SW Awesome Gent (Awesome Again). The pair was clocked in splits of :13.20 and :25 and Destin galloped out five furlongs in 1:02.40, six in 1:15.20 and seven in 1:28.60. Winner of the GIII Sam F. Davis S. Feb. 13 and the GII Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby Mar. 12, the Twin Creeks Racing Stables and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners runner was last seen finishing sixth in the GI Kentucky Derby May 7.
Guided by Hall of Famer John Velazquez, “TDN Rising Star” Stradivari covered four furlongs in :50.55 (26/42), working in company with SW Decorated Soldier (Proud Citizen). They were on even terms most of the way through splits of :12.80 and :25.20, but Stradivari edged clear during the gallop out, which was caught in times of 1:02.80, 1:15.20 and 1:29.40.
“The main thing I wanted was just a nice steady, somewhat relaxed breeze with good steady gallop-outs,” Pletcher commented. “I don't think the 49 and change or 50 and change really tells the whole story about what the breeze actually was–a good and strong gallop-out and good steady 12 and change splits.”
Following the work, Pletcher spoke with Stradivari's owners John Gunther, Susan Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor, who gave him the green light to enter the GI Preakness S. third-place finisher in the Belmont.
“I was satisfied with this morning's work [from Stradivari] and assuming he comes out of it well, and we're happy with him between now and entry day [Wednesday], yes [to running],” Pletcher said.
Destin and Stradivari will both jog Saturday and visit the starting gate on the training track. Both horses will walk Sunday and Pletcher said he may gallop them on the main track a time or two next week if conditions are favorable. The pair will school in the paddock Wednesday at 11 a.m.
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