Tacitus Strong in Final Breeze Ahead of Belmont Stakes

Juddmonte Farms homebred Tacitus, with Jose Ortiz up for trainer Bill Mott, breezed five furlongs in 1:00.42 over Big Sandy the morning of June 2 in preparation for the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) at Belmont Park.

Working in company with Juddmonte maiden Tide of the Sea (1:01.50), Tacitus finished strong down the lane, galloping out well in front of his workmate.

Mott said he was pleased with the final breeze ahead of the 1 1/2-mile Belmont set for June 8.

"He was moving very good, very level, and very even. He went along in :12s every furlong and went out strong enough," Mott said. "It was very similar to last week. Once he gets in his rhythm, he moves very nicely."

The son of Tapit  and multiple grade 1 winner Close Hatches graduated at Aqueduct Racetrack in November and won the Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby (G2) in his sophomore debut. Tacitus returned to the Big A in April to capture the Wood Memorial Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G2).

In the May 4 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), Tacitus rallied from 16th to finish fourth, defeated less than four lengths, over a sloppy Churchill Downs main track. He was elevated to third when Maximum Security was disqualified from first for an infraction at the top of the stretch that saw the Mott-trained Country House declared the winner of the 145th Run for the Roses.

Mott said Tacitus' physical appearance has impressed him as the colt trains into the "Test of the Champion."

"I haven't weighed him, but visually it looks like he's in good flesh," the trainer said. "I think he's done well. He's a good eater."