Patch to Join Stablemate Tapwrit in Belmont Stakes

Trainer Todd Pletcher said Louisiana Derby (G2) runner-up Patch will join stablemate Tapwrit in the June 10 Belmont Stakes (G1), after the pair worked five furlongs in company June 2 at Belmont Park.

Patch, with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez aboard, worked on the main track inside Tampa Bay Derby (G2) winner Tapwrit, who was ridden by his regular jockey, Jose Ortiz. On even terms throughout, the pair hit the wire together in 1:01.45. New York Racing Association clockers caught the pair in :37 for the first three-eighths. They galloped out to six furlongs in 1:14 3/5.

"I was pleased with both of them," Pletcher said. "I thought they went well. They seemed to get over the main track in good order. (It was a) good, steady, solid five-eighths, with a pretty strong gallop out. I think we accomplished what we were looking for.

"They've worked together before. They have similar grinding-type styles and they're not overzealous workhorses, so they made a good pair."

The move earned Patch, owned by Calumet Farm, the green light for the 1 1/2-mile classic, Pletcher said after.

"I was happy with the work today," he said. "I had a quick exchange with the ownership and they're happy to run. As long as he comes out of it well, I plan to go."

Exiting a 14th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) , the one-eyed colt will be ridden by Velazquez in the Belmont.

"(The Derby was a) tough assignment for him—a lightly raced horse and draws the far outside post," Pletcher said. "He got a decent trip out of it. I don't think he relished the sloppy track. (He's by) Union Rags  , a Belmont winner, out of an A.P. Indy mare. There's a lot of pedigree there to suggest that he's bred to get the mile and a half, and I think his style should fit the race well."