Preakness winner National Treasure has final workout for Belmont Stakes
National Treasure, with jockey John Velazquez, edges out Blazing Sevens, with jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., to win the148th running of the Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Race Course, Saturday, May 20, 2023, in Baltimore. Kentucky Derby winner Mage, right, finished third. Credit: AP/Julio Cortez
NEW YORK — Preakness winner National Treasure breezed five furlongs on Monday in his final workout for the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes this weekend.
Working on the main track at Belmont Park with exercise rider Erick Garcia aboard, National Treasure was timed in 59.55 seconds and galloped out six furlongs in 1:11.20 and seven furlongs in 1:25.20. It was the second workout on the track for the Bob Baffert-trained colt, who also worked last Tuesday.
“He worked very well this morning,” said Jimmy Barnes, Baffert's top assistant. “It’s a big track and you can find yourself lost out there. Erick did an excellent job working him and now we’re just waiting for the race.”
National Treasure was fourth in the Santa Anita Derby before the Preakness on May 20.
Trainer Steve Asmussen's Red Route One also posted his final work for Saturday's final jewel of the Triple Crown, breezing a half-mile in 50.20 seconds over Belmont Park’s dirt training track.
"I thought he went beautiful,” said Toby Sheets, Asmussen’s Belmont-based assistant. “It was nice and fluid and he came back with good energy. I’m very happy with him. We wanted to be out on the track before it got really busy.”
Red Route One finished fourth in the Preakness at Pimlico Race Course, almost five lengths behind National Treasure.
Bob Baffert, right, trainer of National Treasure, hugs jockey John Velazquez after their horse won the148th running of the Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Race Course, Saturday, May 20, 2023, in Baltimore. Credit: AP/Julia Nikhinson
Kentucky Derby winner Mage is not running in the Belmont Stakes.
