Conquest Mo Money to Bypass Belmont Stakes

Multiple graded stakes-placed Conquest Mo Money will bypass the June 10 Belmont Stakes (G1) and instead start in the seven-furlong Woody Stephens Stakes (G2) on the Belmont Park undercard that day, owner Tom McKenna said June 1.

Conquest Mo Money finished seventh in the May 20 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course and was previously second in both the April 15 Arkansas Derby (G1) and March 26 Sunland Derby (G3). McKenna said that while they are shortening up the son of Uncle Mo   for his next spot, he and trainer Miguel Hernandez are still open to routing the colt going forward.

"We looked at both spots and we're just doing what we think is best for the horse right now," McKenna said. "I don't think (he'll sprint) for the rest of the year, though. He's got a wide variety of races he can run in. We just figured at this time, (the Woody Stephens) is the best race for him."

Bred in New York by Twin Creeks Farm, Conquest Mo Money won his first three starts, including the Mine That Bird Derby, and has $508,900 in earnings.

Confirmed Thursday for a Belmont Stakes start was Illinois Derby (G3) winner Multiplier, who finished sixth in the Preaknes last time out. Trainer Brendan Walsh said the son of The Factor   is "giving me every indication right now that he's doing great," and added the colt will likely have a routine workout at Keeneland June 3.

"The (Belmont) might be his race," Walsh said. "Even going to the Preakness, I was hoping he'd run a race good enough to justify going to the Belmont. Even though he's not really bred to go that far, he's got plenty of stamina in his back family. Who knows? I think the track will suit him—that he's cut out for that."

Multiplier is scheduled to fly out of Louisville June 6 on the Tex Sutton equine charter to New York. Joel Rosario, who was aboard in the Preakness, will retain the mount.