Styles Vary in Asmussen Belmont Stakes Duo

Trainer Steve Asmussen, who will be enshrined in the Racing Hall of Fame later this year, doesn't figure to have to use much time on strategy for his two Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets (gr. I) starters June 11 at Belmont Park.

Stakes-placed Gettysburg figures to go to the lead and Arkansas Derby (gr. I) winner Creator should be farther back early in the race. It also fits well for WinStar Farm, which owns Gettysburg and is the majority owner, partnered with Bobby Flay, of Creator.

Gettysburg, previously trained by Todd Pletcher, established a clear lead through a half-mile in :46.33 in the Arkansas Derby before fading to fifth, while Creator, who found himself 15 lengths back early in that race, rallied from 12th to score a clear victory over Suddenbreakingnews, who also is entered in the expected field of 13 for the 1 1/2-mile Belmont.

Asmussen assistant Toby Sheets said Gettysburg has quickly settled into the routine with his new stable, while Creator has enjoyed his Belmont surroundings more than Churchill Downs, where he acted up a few times in the days before his 13th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).

"He actually loves it here," Sheets said of Creator. "It's much quieter than Churchill, so that makes a big difference. His antics are a little less here."

Creator will try to become the fifth Belmont winner since 2006 to race in the Derby, then take a five-week break from racing. Along with Lani, he is one of two sons of leading sire Tapit  , sire of 2014 Belmont winner Tonalist  , entered in this year's Belmont.

Gettysburg will be making his Triple Crown debut off a 1 1/16-mile allowance-optional claiming race May 26 at Belmont, where he finished third as the 6-5 favorite.

Asmussen has saddled two previous Belmont starters—Curlin  , who finished a close second to filly Rags to Riches in 2007; and Nehro, who finished fourth in 2011.