Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Two Phil will skip Belmont Stakes (G1) June 10 at Belmont Park support the Ohio Derby (G3) June 24 at Thistle according to coach Larry Rivelli.
3 year old son of Spin hard performed the second work since the first leg of the Triple Crown on May 28 at Rivelli’s Hawthorne Racecourse base ride five lengths in: 59 4/5 on the main road.
Campaigned in partnership with breeder Phil Sagan, Patricia’s Hope and Madaket Stables, the foal doesn’t seem to be getting any worse dressed after its busy 2023 schedule, which included finishing in position. second in Lecomte Stakes (G3) on January 21, third in standings February 18 Risen Star Stakes (G2) and victory in Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) on March 25 — final match of him before the Kentucky Derby.
After an impressive finish from behind magician during the Derby, Rivelli was quick to announce that his star pupil would miss the Preakness Stakes (G1) due to the quick turnaround.
In the following weeks, Two Phil’s team declined to commit to Belmont and said their foal would likely enter another race to “adjust” in the summer. This will bring them to the tier 1 company later this year with Haskell Staking (G1) on July 22 at Monmouth Parkand August 26 Travers Stakes (G1) at Racecourse Saratoga are the primary goals.
