For trainer Kenny McPeek, the idea was to keep it simple.
So, when Creative Minister logged his final workout June 6 for the Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1), it was an easy half-mile breeze that allowed the 3-year-old to merely stretch his legs a bit.
"It was uncomplicated," McPeek said about the son of Creative Cause 's four-furlong spin in :50.33 over the main track. "He did it well with no problem. He jumped into the feed tub after the work."
Clockers listed Creative Minister's time as the 19th fastest of 28 works at the distance.
Creative Minister, owned by Fern Circle Stables, Back Racing, and Magdalena Racing and bred by Dell Ridge Farm, comes into the June 11 Belmont after a solid third-place finish in the May 21 Preakness Stakes (G1), 3 1/2 lengths behind the victorious Early Voting .
Though the Preakness marked Creative Minister's stakes debut and was contested on a humid, 90-degree day at Pimlico Race Course, McPeek said the 3-year-old shows no ill effects going into what will be his third race in five weeks' time—a time frame that matches the spacing of the three Triple Crown races.
"He came out of the Preakness great; no worse for wear," McPeek said. "He's been at Belmont since the Preakness and is doing well. He's ready for the weekend."
Out of the Tapit mare Tamboz, Creative Minister was bought by McPeek, as an agent, for $180.000 from the St George Sales consignment at the 2020 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.