Nehro, second in the Kentucky Derby, completed major preparations
for Saturday’s Belmont Stakes with a 50.88 four-furlong breeze on Belmont’s
main track Monday morning.
With exercise rider Cesar Garcia
aboard, the son Mineshaft ran the opening quarter in 26.24 and galloped out
five furlongs in 1:04.17, according to NYRA clockers.
“I though he worked great, it was
just exactly what the boss wanted,” said Toby Sheets, assistant to trainer
Steve Asmussen. “We were very pleased with him. He came back good, so onward
and upward.”
Nehro, who also finished second in
the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby and Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, bypassed the Preakness
in favor of training up to a start in the Belmont Stakes, a move owner Ahmed
Zayat hopes will pay dividends.
“I don’t want to be arrogant because
it’s racing, but I wish the race was tomorrow,” said Zayat. “There are
variables we can’t control once they gates are open, but we’re ready and we
will have no excuses. At a mile-and-a-half, you’re going to see a different
horse. That’s the final word. We’re ready.”