Different Paths for Romans' Belmont Hopefuls

Two expected Belmont Stakes (gr. I) starters for Dale Romans are taking different paths to the 1 1/2-mile classic at Belmont Park, but the trainer believes the different schedules will suit each horse well. 

Having finished seventh, 9 1/2 lengths back, in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), two-time grade I winner Brody's Cause will race for the first time in five weeks in the Belmont. After picking up a classic placing in his previous start, edging Nyquist for second in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), William Pacella, Frank Jones Jr., and Frank Shoop's Cherry Wine will face a three-week turnaround for the Belmont. 

Romans' approach with Albaugh Family Stable's Brody's Cause—racing in the Derby then resting to the Belmont—has produced four Belmont winners in the past 10 years: Jazil in 2006, Summer Bird in 2009, Union Rags   in 2012, and Palace Malice   in 2013. Similarly, Rags to Riches won the 2007 Belmont after capturing the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) five weeks and one day before the Belmont.

Romans said the time off going into the 1 1/2-mile test should work well for Brody's Cause, who won the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) four weeks before his Derby run. Romans noted the Giant's Causeway colt turned in a solid Derby performance. 

"Seventh in the Derby, not beat all that far; that's not a bad race," Romans said. "He could improve, and the mile-and-a-half should help him. I actually thought he'd win the Derby. That's the first time I've ever had a feeling like that, but I wasn't disappointed in his run. He came running, finished strong." 

On the other hand, Cherry Wine did not compete in the Derby and made his first start in six weeks in the Preakness; his previous effort being a third in the Blue Grass. With that previous six-week rest, Romans is comfortable with the three-week turnaround following the Preakness. Anticipating not as much early speed in the Belmont as there was in the Preakness, Romans expects the son of Paddy O'Prado to be closer than the 19 lengths out he was in the early stages at Pimlico Race Course. 

"He's just getting better and better as he gets older. He's just finally putting it all together. His father was the same way," said Romans, who has finished third in the Belmont four times in six starts, including the past two years with Medal Count   then Keen Ice. "I think his pedigree is as good as anybody in terms of going a mile-and-a-half." 

Since 2006 the only Preakness starter to win the Belmont is last year's Triple Crown winner American Pharoah  .