Stage Raider to Step Up to Allowance Level at Belmont
Image:
Description:
Photo: Keeneland/Coady Photography
Stage Raider breaks his maiden by 10 3/4 lengths at Keeneland
John Gunther's homebred Stage Raider , the half brother to 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify , is entered for his third career start May 14 at Belmont Park, where he'll stretch out to a mile in a $92,000 allowance optional claiming race.
The 3-year-old Pioneerof the Nile colt was last seen in the afternoon April 10 at Keeneland. He stalked the pace in third that day in a seven-furlong maiden special weight on a sloppy main track before rolling to a 10 3/4-length victory. He completed that distance in 1:22.62.
In his career debut Jan. 23 at Gulfstream Park, Stage Raider was second behind Prevalence when also racing seven furlongs.
Chad Brown trains Stage Raider, who will break from post 2 under Eric Cancel.
Stage Raider was bred in Kentucky out of the grade 3-placed Ghostzapper mare Stage Magic , who was named the 2018 Broodmare of the Year. In addition to Justify, Stage Magic also produced grade 3 winner The Lieutenant .
Also entered is Harrell Ventures' homebred Dr Jack , a half brother to March 6 Santa Anita Handicap (G1) winner Idol . Dr Jack is another Pioneerof the Nile colt. He is trained by Todd Pletcher and won on debut April 2 at Gulfstream Park, where he took over the lead after the opening quarter-mile and finished 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17.66. Kendrick Carmouche will ride from post 4.