Golden roller coaster owned by Gary Barber, in partnership with Manfred and Penny Conrad, crossed half a mile at: 49.90am on June 5 on the main track at Belmont Park in preparation for the June 11 Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets (G1).
NYRA followers caught the Golden Glider, with exercise cyclist Kylie Wellington, crossing a quarter mile in: 26.20 and out in 1:02.80.
Hall of Fame coach Mark Casse, who won the 2019 Belmont Stakes with Sir Winston , said he was very satisfied with the job. “I think he’s doing a really good job. He settles in early, which is what you want in a Belmont horse, and flies home,” Casse said.
The son of Ghostzapper is a second far last to back opponent We who at the nine feathered Peter Pan Stakes (G3) on May 14, the traditional local preparation for Belmont Stakes. Peter Pan’s top two finishers received free Belmont Stakes and starting fees.
Casse said he’s confident the Golden Glider will cover the 1/2 mile of Belmont and that equestrian Dylan Davis can pull off a stalking ride.
“I’m not worried about the mile and a half, just how long it’ll take him,” Casse said with a laugh. “He’s the one-beat type, so I hope he’ll have a ride similar to Sir Winston. In previous races, Sir Winston has come from the clouds, but in Belmont, Joel Rosario has kept his hold. he got close enough, and I could see the same thing happen on Saturday with Dylan.”
Davis, who won his first NYRA equestrian title at Aqueduct race track winter meeting, will be looking to secure his first win in the Triple Crown race.
Coach Rodolphe Brisset says fellow Belmont Stakes hopeful We who escaped his half-mile breeze on Saturday in good health and all to run in the final leg of the Triple Crown.
“It was one of his best pieces ever,” Brisset said of the four-hair drill at: 47.59. “It’s a bit faster than what we’re looking for, but it doesn’t look like he’s going that fast. The way he does it is exactly what you’re looking for a week after the race. He’s cleaned his food tank and got his clothes ready, and we’re bringing him back tomorrow for a one-mile gallop.”
Rich Strike is led by a foal through the lawn in Belmont Park
Meanwhile, the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) Rich Strike continued training to the Belmont Stakes with a 1/2 mile lap around the Belmont oval on Sunday morning.
“We supported him half a mile today, and tomorrow we will probably let him gallop for another two miles,” said coach Eric Reed. “He definitely enjoyed himself and came back really happy. He is appreciating everything.”
Rich Strike is expected to continue his daily routine of galloping and going to school until the race begins. He will likely go to school in the paddock during races on Thursday or Friday.
