Hot Rod Charlie, Rock Your World Settle In at Belmont
Image:
Description:
Photo: Chad B. Harmon
Hot Rod Charlie April 25 at Churchill Downs
West Coast-based Hot Rod Charlie and Rock Your World , along with a number of stablemates, arrived in New York May 29 to begin final preparations for the June 5 $1.5 million Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1).
Trainer Doug O'Neill shipped Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing, Strauss Bros Racing, and Gainesway Thoroughbreds' Hot Rod Charlie along with McShane Racing's Stubbins , a contender for the $400,000 Jackpocket Jaipur (G1T). Also along for the trip is the popular Hall of Famer Lava Man , now employed as a pony.
The trio arrived on the grounds at Belmont Park just before 8 p.m. ET on a wet Saturday evening.
O'Neill said all three have settled in well, in particular Hot Rod Charlie, who finished third last out in the May 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs.
"They all look in good shape. It's a big hurdle cleared," said O'Neill. "I think he's (Hot Rod Charlie) put on weight. He looks phenomenal. He's training well and doing well."
On Friday, Hot Rod Charlie breezed five-eighths in 1:00 2/5 in company during an afternoon workout on the Santa Anita Park main track, easily pulling away from his workmate in a strong gallop out.
O'Neill said the breeze is an indication of a horse developing an understanding of his role.
"I think early on in his career he was more comfortable as a pack horse and running with the group. He'd never get tired, but he just kept hanging with the other horses," said O'Neill. "Recently, he's very comfortable separating himself from other horses and I think that's a great trait that he's added and it's necessary to win big races. That's what I saw when he pulled away from his workmate."
Flavien Prat, who piloted Belmont Stakes-rival Rombauer to victory in the May 15 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course, has chosen to ride Hot Rod Charlie Saturday. O'Neill said he's delighted to have retained Prat's services.
"Generally, the pace is a lot slower going 12 furlongs but that's where having Prat helps. Not only is he a phenomenal rider, but he's riding with so much confidence right now, and he has so much confidence in this colt," said O'Neill. "If he breaks clean, he should be forwardly placed. If they're flying, he'll back off it. If not, he should be pretty close the whole way around."
O'Neill said Hot Rod Charlie will likely jog on the training track Monday before some light gallops on the main track later in the week.
Rock Your World trains prior to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
Also arriving Saturday evening was a trio of Belmont Stakes Racing Festival contenders conditioned by John Sadler led by Hronis Racing and David Michael Talla's Runhappy Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Rock Your World, who will look to make amends after a tough break from the gate last out when 17th in the Kentucky Derby.
He was joined on the journey by Hronis Racing and Lane's End Racing's Flagstaff , who is pointed to Friday's $300,000 True North (G2); and Woodford Racing's Campaign , who will start in the $400,000 Brooklyn Presented by Northwell Health (G2) on Belmont Stakes Day.
Sadler's traveling assistant Enrique Miranda said the trio are in good order.
"Everybody has settled in really well," said Miranda. "Rock Your World will head out to the track tomorrow. Today, we just walked him a little bit and tomorrow they'll all begin training."