Trainer Brad Cox sent his three Belmont Stakes 2023 contenders - Angel of Empire, Hit Show and Tapit Shoes - out for their final pre-race works on Saturday morning.
After the works, he discussed the drills with Jennie Rees, in a video released by the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. He also discussed the decision to run Tapit Shoes in the Belmont, the class of the Belmont field at large and the trips that both Angel of Empire and Hit Show got in the Kentucky Derby.
Angel of Empire, the Arkansas Derby (G1) winner who finished third in the Kentucky Derby, worked five furlongs early Saturday morning. "The best part of his work, is probably his gallop-out," Cox said. "It gives us the confidence to think he'll like a mile and a half."
After the break, Cox brought Hit Show for a five-furlong work outside of Victory Formation. Hit Show is probable for the Belmont Stakes, while Victory Formation is likely to run in the Woody Stephens (G1) on the Belmont undercard.
He also sent Belmont probable Tapit Shoes to work Saturday at Churchill Downs in company with Peter Pan second-place finisher Bishops Bay. Cox noted that Tapit Shoes does not always bring his best in the mornings, but saw his better side Saturday. "He can be a touch inconsistent, in his works, but we're very happy with what we saw from him."
