Tapit Trice, who finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby, recorded his penultimate piece of preparation for the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on June 10, breezing five furlongs over the Belmont Park main track for Hall of Fame conditioner Todd Pletcher.
Under mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s, Tapit Trice worked under exercise rider Fernando Rivera to the outside of stablemate Classic Catch (1:00.87)following the renovation break. He completed the five-furlong move in 1:00.22 over the fast main track before galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.60 and 1:25 flat for seven furlongs according to NYRA clockers.
It was the third fastest of 15 works at the distance.
Last Friday, Tapit Trice worked a half-mile in 49.04 seconds in his first move since finishing seventh in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby on May 6 at Churchill Downs. Tapit Trice captured the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby and Grade 1 Blue Grass and entered as one of the favorites for the “Run for the Roses.”
“Super breeze, big gallop out,” Pletcher said following the work. “He seems to really like the main track here. I’m very, very happy with the way he’s been training. He hasn’t missed a beat since the Derby. He’s settled in well. He’s been galloping over the main track. He had a breeze last week and a more serious breeze today. It was a major piece of work today, we’ll come back for a maintenance type breeze next week. We always thought the mile and a half would suit him.”
Tapit Trice is by prolific sire Tapit, who has sired prior Belmont Stakes winners Tonalist (2014), Creator (2016), Tapwrit (2017) and Essential Quality (2021). His graded stakes-placed dam Danzatrice is by Dunkirk – who Pletcher saddled to a runner-up finish in the 2009 Belmont Stakes.
Tapit Trice’s pedigree along with his running style make him an ideal candidate for the Belmont Stakes’ demanding 1 1/2-mile distance, according to Pletcher.
“Tapits have had a lot of success in the Belmont. He’s out of a Dunkirk mare who I trained and ran second in the Belmont. From a pedigree standpoint, you would think he’s capable,” Pletcher said. “He’s got that big, long galloping stride. I think the main thing is making sure that he gets into that comfortable rhythm and doesn’t give himself too much to do early on. The Belmont is not necessarily a closer’s race, but it seems like he’s really coming up to it the right way.”
Pletcher also has three other potential Belmont Stakes contestants in reigning Champion 2-Year-Old Forte, Grade 2 Louisiana Derby winner Kingsbarns – who finished 14th in the Kentucky Derby – and 10-furlong maiden winner Prove Worthy.
Forte and Kingsbarns were slated to breeze this morning with the former now scheduled to work Saturday at 8:45 a.m. over the Belmont main track.
Pletcher said he is not sure when Kingsbarns will work back.
“He’s got a little bit of a bellyache today, so we weren’t able to breeze him," Pletcher said.
Pletcher said Prove Worthy, who is stabled with his Churchill Downs division, remains possible for the Belmont.
Il Miracolo, a recent gate-to-wire optional-claiming winner at Gulfstream Park and probable entrant in the Belmont Stakes, also breezed on Friday morning at the Hallandale Beach oval.
Trained by Antonio Sano for Alexandres, the Gun Runner chestnut colt worked a bullet five-eighths in 1:01.06 over a sloppy main track.
“He had a very good work. He leaves for Belmont next Saturday,” Sano said.
The $70,000 OBS June 2-Year-Olds and Horses of Racing Age Sale purchase sports a ledger of 10-2-3-0 for purse earnings of $103,125. He started in five stakes races between December and April 1 with his best result a fifth-place finish in the Holy Bull (G3) in February at Gulfstream.
Last out, Il Miracolo led gate-to-wire in a one-mile optional-claimer to post a 1 3/4-length score under Marcos Meneses, who will retain the mount for the Belmont Stakes.
“He won his last race going a mile at Gulfstream. He showed good speed,” Sano said.
Sano said he is cautiously optimistic about the chestnut’s chances as he stretches out beyond nine furlongs for the first time.
“It's a very strong race and the horse is a little green right now, but I hope he can run well and run a strong race,” Sano said.
In addition to Tapit Trice, 46 other graded stakes winners recorded timed workouts on Friday at racetracks around the U.S. and Canada:
Nest (Curlin), a three-time Grade 1 winner (2022 Alabama, 2022 Coaching Club American Oaks, 2022 Ashland), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Belmont Park on Friday morning. It was the 10th fastest of 36 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In her last start she placed fourth in the Breeders' Cup Distaff going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Keeneland on Nov. 5 for Pletcher.
Cody's Wish (Curlin), a three-time Grade 1 winner (2023 Churchill Downs, 2022 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, 2022 Forego), worked five furlongs in 59.0 seconds at Saratoga on Friday morning. It was the fastest of seven works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Saratoga. In his last start he won the Churchill Downs (G1) going seven furlongs on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 6 for trainer Bill Mott.
Matareya (Pioneerof the Nile), a two-time Grade 1 winner (2023 Derby City Distaff, 2022 Acorn), worked four furlongs in 49.8 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the 48th fastest of 71 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she won the Derby City Distaff (G1) going seven furlongs on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 6 for trainer Brad Cox.
Santin (Distorted Humor), a two-time Grade 1 winner (2022 Arlington Million, 2022 Turf Classic), worked five furlongs in 1:01.6 at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the 15th fastest of 21 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he placed fifth in the Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 6 for trainer Brendan Walsh.
War Like Goddess (English Channel), a two-time Grade 1 winner (2022 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, 2021 Flower Bowl), worked four furlongs in 49.1 seconds at Saratoga on Friday morning. It was the second fastest of 30 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Saratoga. In her last start she won the Bewitch (G3) going 1 1/2 miles on the turf at Keeneland on April 28 for Mott.
McKulick (Frankel), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Belmont Oaks Invitational), worked five furlongs in 1:02.1 on turf at Belmont Park on Friday morning. It was the seventh fastest of eight works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In her last start she placed fifth in the Modesty (G3) going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 5 for trainer Chad Brown.
Adhamo (Intello), a Grade 1 winner (2022 United Nations), worked three furlongs in 37.0 seconds at Fair Hill on Friday morning. It was the second fastest of 5 works at the distance. His previous work was 6 days ago going three furlongs at Fair Hill. In his last start he placed sixth in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) going 1 1/2 miles on the turf at Belmont At The Big A on Oct. 8 for Brown.
In Love (Agnes Gold), a Grade 1 winner (2021 Keeneland Turf Mile), worked four furlongs in 50.4 seconds at The Thoroughbred Center on Friday morning. It was the 22nd fastest of 30 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed eighth in the Maker's Mark Mile (G1) going one mile on the turf at Keeneland on April 14 for trainer Paulo Lobo.
Spendarella (Karakontie), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Del Mar Oaks), worked six furlongs in 1:13.4 at Fair Hill on Friday morning. It was the fastest of two works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed second in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2) going one mile on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 6 for trainer Graham Motion.
Shantisara (Coulsty), a Grade 1 winner (2021 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup), worked five furlongs in 1:01.5 on turf at Belmont Park on Friday morning. It was the fifth fastest of eight works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In her last start she placed fourth in the Modesty presented by TwinSpires (G3) going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 5 for Brown.
Up to the Mark (Not This Time), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Turf Classic), worked four furlongs in 50.2 seconds at Belmont Park on Friday morning. It was the 27th fastest of 36 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he won the Turf Classic (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 6 for Pletcher.
Fearless (Ghostzapper), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2022 Brooklyn, 2021 Gulfstream Park Mile), worked five furlongs in 1:00.8 at Belmont Park on Friday morning. It was the second fastest of nine works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed seventh in the Greenwood Cup (G3) going 1 1/2 miles on the main track at Parx Racing on Sept. 24 for Pletcher.
Virginia Joy (Soldier Hollow), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2022 Flower Bowl, 2022 Sheepshead Bay), worked five furlongs in 1:02.1 on turf at Belmont Park on Friday morning. It was the seventh fastest of eight works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In her last start she placed second in the Sheepshead Bay (G2) going 1 3/8 miles on the turf at Belmont Park on May 5 for Brown.
Speak of the Devil (Wootton Bassett), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Distaff Turf Mile), worked five furlongs in 1:01.5 on turf at Belmont Park on Friday morning. It was the fifth fastest of eight works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In her last start she placed third in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2) going one mile on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 6 for Brown.
Bubble Rock (More Than Ready), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Mrs. Revere), worked four furlongs in 48.4 seconds on turf at Belmont Park on Friday morning. It was the second fastest of 14 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she won the License Fee going six furlongs on the turf at Belmont Park on May 7 for Cox.
Delight (Mendelssohn), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Jessamine), worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Keeneland on Friday morning. It was the 13th fastest of 45 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she won an allowance race going one mile on the turf at Horseshoe Indianapolis on May 9 for trainer Jonathan Thomas.
A Mo Reay (Uncle Mo), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Beholder Mile), worked four furlongs in 48.0 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the fifth fastest of 71 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed fourth in the La Troienne (G1) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 5 for Cox.
Travel Column (Frosted), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2021 Fair Grounds Oaks, 2020 Golden Rod), worked five furlongs in 1:01.0 at The Thoroughbred Center on Friday morning. It was the fastest of 10 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at The Thoroughbred Center. In her last start she placed sixth in the Derby City Distaff (G1) going seven furlongs on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 6 for Lobo
Ottoman Fleet (Sea The Stars), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Fort Marcy), worked five furlongs in 1:00.9 on turf at Belmont Park on Friday morning. It was the fourth fastest of eight works at the distance. His previous work was 3 days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he won the Fort Marcy (G2) going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Belmont Park on May 6 for trainer Charles Appleby.
Papilio (Starspangledbanner), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Appalachian), worked four furlongs in 48.8 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the 21st fastest of 71 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed fourth in the Edgewood (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 5 for trainer Mark Casse.
Webslinger (Constitution), a Grade 2 winner (2023 American Turf), worked four furlongs in 48.8 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the 21st fastest of 71 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he won the American Turf (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 6 for Casse.
Get Smokin (Get Stormy), a Grade 2 winner (2020 Hill Prince), worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the 33rd fastest of 71 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he placed sixth in the Opening Verse going one mile on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 4 for Casse.
Bran (Muhaarar), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Turf Sprint), worked three furlongs in 37.2 at Santa Anita on Friday morning. It was the 12th fastest of 19 works at the distance. His previous work was 210 days ago going four furlongs at Keeneland. In his last start he won the Turf Sprint (G2) going six furlongs on the turf at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 10 for trainer John Sadler.
Dorth Vader (Girvin), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Davona Dale), worked four furlongs in 49.3 seconds at Gulfstream Park on Friday morning. It was the fourth fastest of six works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed fifth in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 5 for trainer Michael Yates.
Major Dude (Bolt d'Oro), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Pilgrim), worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the 16th fastest of 71 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he placed third in the American Turf (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 6 for Pletcher.
Bourbonic (Bernardini), a Grade 2 winner (2021 Wood Memorial), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Monmouth Park on Friday morning. It was the 16th fastest of 39 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed fifth in an allowance race going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Belmont Park on May 11 for Pletcher.
Twilight Gleaming (National Defense), a Grade 2 winner (2021 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint), worked four furlongs in 50.0 seconds on turf at Keeneland on Friday morning. It was the third fastest of nine works at the distance. Her previous work was nine days ago going four furlongs at Keeneland. In her last start she won the Giant's Causeway going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Keeneland on April 15 for trainer Wesley Ward.
Arrest Me Red (Pioneerof the Nile), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Turf Sprint ), worked four furlongs in 51.0 seconds on turf at Keeneland on Friday morning. It was the seventh fastest of nine works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed fifth in the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2) going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 6 for Ward.
Pass the Champagne (Flatter), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Ruffian), worked four furlongs in 49.8 seconds at Saratoga on Friday morning. It was the 10th fastest of 30 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she won the Ruffian (G2) going one mile on the main track at Belmont Park on May 6 for trainer George Weaver.
Neige Blanche (Anodin), a four-time Grade 3 winner, worked five furlongs in 1:01.4 at Santa Anita on Friday morning. It was the 23rd fastest of 29 works at the distance. Her previous work was 18 days ago going four furlongs at Santa Anita. In her last start she placed seventh in the Rodeo Drive (G1) going 1 1/4 miles on the turf at Santa Anita on Oct. 8 for trainer Leonard Powell.
Wet Paint (Blame), a two-time Grade 3 winner (2023 Fantasy, 2023 Honeybee), worked four furlongs in 51.2 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the 68th fastest of 71 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed fourth in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 5 for Cox.
Repo Rocks (Tapiture), a two-time Grade 3 winner (2023 Westchester, 2023 Toboggan), worked four furlongs in 47.6 seconds at Parx Racing on Friday morning. It was the second fastest of 16 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he won the Westchester (G3) going one mile on the main track at Belmont Park on May 5 for trainer Jamie Ness.
Jalen Journey (With Distinction), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash,) worked four furlongs in 50.9 seconds at Belmont Park on Friday morning. It was the 28th fastest of 34 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed fourth in a claiming race going 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track at Aqueduct on April 20 for trainer Rob Atras.
Weyburn (Pioneerof the Nile), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Gotham), worked four furlongs in 50.2 seconds at Belmont Park on Friday morning. It was the 27th fastest of 36 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed third in the Westchester (G3) going one mile on the main track at Belmont Park on May 5 for trainer James Jerkens.
Charge It (Tapit), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Dwyer), worked five furlongs in 1:00.8 at Belmont Park on Friday morning. It was the second fastest of nine works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed fifth in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Oaklawn on April 22 for Pletcher.
Amazing Grace (Protectionist), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Orchid), worked four furlongs in 52.1 on turf at Belmont Park on Friday morning. It was the 14th fastest of 14 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In her last start she placed fourth in the Sheepshead Bay (G2) going 1 3/8 miles on the turf at Belmont Park on May 5 for trainer Christophe Clement.
Best Actor (Flatter), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Smarty Jones), worked four furlongs in 50.8 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the 65th fastest of 71 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going three furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he placed third in the Oklahoma Derby (G3) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Remington Park on Sept. 25 for Cox.
We the People (Constitution), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Peter Pan), worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the 33rd fastest of 71 works at the distance. His previous work was 13 days ago going four furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he won an allowance race going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Keeneland on April 28 for Pletcher.
Masqueparade (Upstart), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Ohio Derby), worked five furlongs in 1:00.6 at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the seventh fastest of 21 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed sixth in the Knicks Go Overnight going one mile on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 6 for trainer Al Stall Jr.
Mo Stash (Mo Town), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Transylvania), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Keeneland on Friday morning. It was the 17th fastest of 45 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed fourth in the American Turf (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 6 for trainer Victoria H. Oliver.
Mission of Joy (Kitten's Joy), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Florida Oaks), worked five furlongs in 1:02.6 on turf at Keeneland on Friday morning. It was the fastest of two works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed third in the Edgewood (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 5 for Motion.
Didia (Orpen), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Modesty), worked five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Keeneland on Friday morning. It was the fastest of two works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Keeneland. In her last start she won the Modesty (G3) going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 5 for trainer Ignacio Correas IV.
Gear Jockey (Twirling Candy), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Turf Sprint), worked four furlongs in 51.0 seconds on turf at Keeneland on Friday morning. It was the seventh fastest of nine works at the distance. His previous work was five days ago going three furlongs at Keeneland. In his last start he placed ninth in the Aqueduct Turf Sprint Championship going six furlongs on the turf at Aqueduct on Nov. 25 for trainer Rusty Arnold.
Cellist (Big Blue Kitten), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Louisville), worked four furlongs in 50.8 seconds at Keeneland on Friday morning. It was the 35th fastest of 45 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed second in the Prairie Bayou going 1 1/16 miles on the synthetic at Turfway Park on Dec. 17 for Arnold.
Azul Coast (Super Saver), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Native Diver) worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Los Alamitos on Friday morning. It was the seventh fastest of 13 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going three furlongs at Los Alamitos. In his last start he placed second in the Native Diver (G3) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Del Mar on Nov. 27 for trainer Bob Baffert.
Faraway Kitten (Kitten's Joy), a Grade 3 winner (2019 American Derby), worked five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Woodbine on Friday morning. It was the 10th fastest of 22 works at the distance. His previous work was six days ago going four furlongs at Woodbine. In his last start he placed eighth in an allowance race going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Woodbine on Oct. 2 for trainer Denyse McClachrie.
