Dr. Schivel Met Mile-Bound After Fast Santa Anita Work

Following a six-furlong workout in 1:13 by Dr. Schivel  June 3 at Santa Anita Park, trainer Mark Glatt said the multiple grade 1 winner would ship to New York and run in the one-mile Metropolitan Handicap (G1) June 10 at Belmont Park.

Glatt had been considering the $1 million Metropolitan Handicap, known as the Met Mile, or $250,000 True North Stakes (G2) going 6 1/2 furlongs. Both races are on the undercard on Belmont Stakes Day.

"We think both races are very tough, but the Met Mile could do wonders for his stud career," Glatt said. "We figured this will likely be the last chance for him. He's fresh, he's sharp off that comeback win, we feel it's as good a time as any to give it a try."

A 5-year-old sprinter by Violence  , Dr. Schivel is owned by Red Baron's Barn and Rancho Temescal, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, and William A. Branch. He had been sidelined more than 13 months before returning May 13 in an allowance at Santa Anita and rolling to 4 1/4-length victory.

Dr. Schivel has a record of 6-2-2 in 11 starts with $1,119,100 in earnings. As a 2-year-old in 2020, he won the Del Mar Futurity (G1). The following year he won the Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) and Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2) before an agonizing nose loss in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) at Del Mar. He has never raced beyond seven furlongs.