Peter Pan Stakes (G3) has long been seen as the prep race for the Belmont Stakes (G1) even if the numbers have been a bit anemic over the past few decades.
Since 1992, the only Peter Pan winners to return and win the last leg of the Triple Crown were AP Indy in 1992 and tone artist in 2014. Although in 2019 Sir Winston finished second in the Peter Pan to win the 1 and a half mile classic, while Commissioner who finished second to Tonalist in Peter Pan, repeated that feat four weeks later in Belmont.
However, it’s also hard to ignore how strong effort in a 1/8 mile bet on a track can bode well for a 3-year-old in Belmont’s chances.
That theory will be tested again on May 13 when a field of nine 3-year-olds will gather at Belmont Park for Peter Pan, with the winner receiving most of the $200,000 and the inevitable post-race question: Are the Belmont Stakes next?
The most exciting start seems to be Bishops’ Bay who will debut after winning the first two games against coach Brad Cox by 1-2 or less in Fair Grounds Racecourse & Slots race.
Half-ontario son of Uncle Mo won his debut on February 18 in a six-distance sprint slightly shorter in length and then won by neck in the March 19 allowance race at one mile and 70 yards on his last start.
“You couldn’t ask for a better transport horse. It did very well on the track and it is said that it is being trained very well in Kentucky. He seems to be a very kind horse and easy to get along with,” says Dustin Dugas, Cox’s assistant in New York.
The undefeated pony was purchased for $450,000 from the Warrendale Sales at Keeneland Semi-Annual September shipment by the BSW/Crow Colts Group, the organization that hosted the Spendthrift Ranch’s superior ownership group, Steve Landers, Martin Schwartz, Michael Dubb, Ten Strike Racing, Jim Bakke, Titletown Racing, Kueber Racing, Big Easy Racing, Rick Kanter, Michael Caruso and breeder WinStar Farm.
Cox also entered Gold Square’s slide Mahoney , who was in trouble sixth in the Wood Memorial Stakes (G2), knocking him out of consideration for the Kentucky Derby (G1). An Arrogate pony, Slip Mahoney also gets to join the Long Branch Stake on Saturday at Monmouth Park.
Coach Todd Pletcher also has two contestants Peter Pan in Go Soldiers And Classic catch .
Owned by Victorious Racing, Go Solider Go will make its US debut after finishing in previous fifth place. sotogake skin in the UAE Derby (G2). the son of water tap won two of his six career starts at the start of his first game for Pletcher.
Whisper Hill Farm’s Classic Catch, son of Classic Empire also ran in Wood, rallying from 11th to fifth place.
Shipping from California is by Del Mar . Corporation Henry Q . 3rd place in the Sunland Park (G3) Derby on March 26, the speedy son of Blame was the winner of the February 28 Mine That Bird Derby with almost 15 races.
He will be ridden by European legend Frankie Dettori, who will also be aboard Godolphin’s Warren Points in the $600,000 Man o’ War Stakes (G1T) earlier in the card.
Item: Peter Pan S. (G3)
Belmont ParkSaturday, May 13, 2023, Race 6
- Class III
- 1 1/8m
- dust
- 200,000 USD
- 3 years old
- 3:40pm (local)
