Romans' Belmont Hopefuls Work in New York

Dale Romans' Belmont Stakes (gr. I) contenders Cherry Wine and Brody's Cause wrapped up their major preparations for the June 11 final jewel of the Triple Crown June 4, undertaking very different workouts Saturday morning at Belmont Park.

Walking onto the main track shortly after the renovation break, Preakness Stakes (gr. I) runner-up Cherry Wine breezed five furlongs in 1:00.12 with exercise rider Faustino Aguilar in the saddle. Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) winner Brody's Cause, who finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), set down into the lane shortly after, covering three furlongs in :37.11 while ridden by his regular jockey Luis Saez.

"I was pleased with the way they both worked," said Romans. "They both showed good energy. They came back to the barn happy. We just want to sharpen them both up. By this time, they've been on the Triple Crown trail a long time. They are fit horses, and we just want them sharp and ready to roll."

Also Saturday, Exaggerator completed a two-minute lick on the main track Saturday morning. The Preakness winner is expected to walk tomorrow, gallop Monday, and conduct a final breeze June 7 before the Belmont.

"He's maturing and seems a little more relaxed and focused." said Julie Clark, assistant to trainer Keith Desormeux. "He looks good."

Swipe worked a half-mile on the main track, marking his first breeze since undergoing a throat procedure after finishing sixth in the Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. III) April 16 at Keeneland. Clark said Swipe will likely work again June 11 and will be put on a regular schedule.

"He's good; he had his first work today and it was awesome," Clark said. "It was a half-mile in :51 1/5 (seconds), which was our target time. It was just a nice, easy half for him back. I'm excited about him. He got out real quick. It was good for sure."

Swipe, 1-5-1 in eight career starts and a runner-up to champion Nyquist multiple times, breezed with jockey Junior Alvarado aboard.