Hall of Fame
trainer Nick Zito announced Wednesday afternoon that Robert V. LaPenta’s Ice
Box, runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, will skip the May 15 Preakness and await a
possible start in the 142
nd running of the Grade 1, $1 million
Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 5.
“After talking to Mr. LaPenta, we
concurred Ice Box’s race was tremendous, but we also knew that it was a tough
race,” Zito said in a statement regarding the Grade 1 Florida Derby winner. “We
feel we are better suited to wait and pass the Preakness and possibly go on to
the Belmont, and
hopefully things work out.”
Zito said a Preakness decision
for Jackson Bend, who was 12th in the Derby, would be forthcoming.
“Also, Jackson Bend, we have more
evaluation to do, and will make a decision for the Preakness on Monday on his
status as well,” said Zito of the colt, who is owned by LaPenta and Fred
Brei.