War of Will's Belmont Prep Work Won't Include a Breeze

Knowing the recent racing history of War of Will and the 1 1/2-mile classic that awaits, trainer Mark Casse is more than comfortable just having his Preakness Stakes (G1) winner gallop in preparation for the June 8 Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) at Belmont Park.

War of Will is expected to be the lone horse to start in all three of this year's classics. He placed seventh in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs, where stewards determined he was fouled in the far turn by Maximum Security, then scored a clear victory in the May 18 Preakness at Pimlico Race Course.

As Gary Barber's War of Will looks to become the first horse since Afleet Alex  in 2005 to win the Preakness and Belmont after coming up short in the Derby, Casse certainly isn't concerned about fitness after his 3-year-old completed the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby and won the 1 3/16-mile Preakness. In fact, the son of War Front  has not breezed since earning the bullet among 79 workers April 27 at Churchill Downs when he completed a half-mile in :47 3/5. 

"I didn't breeze him between the Derby and the Preakness, as some do; I know we have an extra week this time, but I kind of look at the positives and the negatives, and here's a horse that if he's not fit by now, he'll never be fit," Casse said. "If he gets beat in the Belmont, it's not going to be from lack of fitness, I promise you that."

Casse also noted that not working will provide War of Will a chance to add back a few pounds as he prepares at Keeneland under the watchful eye of assistant trainer David Carroll for the final classic. Casse considered shipping to Belmont early but opted for the more relaxed and familiar setting at Keeneland.

"I thought he was kind of lean and mean for the Derby, and then looking at him there at the Preakness, he had lost a few pounds there and that was a concern," Casse said. "I know when I'm at home, I relax better."

Beyond that, Casse wants War of Will to relax early under regular rider Tyler Gaffalione in the Belmont.

"The other thing is, going a mile and a half, do I really want to get him pumped up and on the bridle?" Casse said. "So he's happy, he's galloping, he's a happy horse right now, so we're just going to go at it that way." 

The early running in the Belmont figures to be especially important, in Casse's estimation..

"The Belmont is funny how it's run, and it usually helps speed. He's got plenty of speed," Casse said. "The question that will decide whether or not he can go the mile and a half is how willing he is to rate early. He did rate very well in the Preakness, but it was an extremely fast pace. I think a lot will depend on how much Tyler is able to get him to relax."

Casse believes War of Will has room to improve and is capable of an even better effort than what he delivered in the Preakness. 

"His great mind and his great ability is what has allowed us to do what we've done," Casse said.