National Treasure, winner of Saturday's 148th Preakness Stakes, has made his way to Belmont Park for a potential start in the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on June 10. Bob Baffert said National Treasure got a feel for the Belmont Park main track Thursday with a light jog.
“He's going well. We're going to get him up there, train him and see how he's doing,” Baffert said.
He added National Treasure will have one work at Belmont Park before a decision is made whether to test the 1 ½-mile Belmont.
“When he breezes, he's going to have to show me he's up for it,” Baffert said.
Other potential Belmont Stakes starters for Baffert are Arabian Lion, winner of the Sir Barton on the Preakness undercard; and Reincarnate, who most recently was 13th in the Kentucky Derby.
National Treasure went gate-to-wire under John Velazquez to win the Preakness as the 5-2 second choice. It was the first Preakness win for Velazquez and Baffert's eighth, which is the most all-time by a trainer.
“I know it's a big accomplishment, but I really don't think about records like that,” Baffert said. “I was just happy for the horse, the connections and Johnny V. getting his Preakness win.”
Baffert also reported that Taiba remains on track to run in the G1 Metropolitan Handicap on the Belmont Stakes undercard. The multiple Grade 1 winner most recently was a disappointing eighth in the GI Saudi Cup in Riyadh Feb. 25.
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