Stay Put Possible for Belmont Stakes

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(Edited New York Racing Association press release)

Trainer Steve Margolis is eyeing the $1 million Belmont Stakes  (gr. I)  June 5 in New York as a possible next start for Stay Put, who rallied to win an optional claimer on the Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands (gr. I) undercard at Churchill Downs May 1.

“There’s a race here (at Churchill Downs, the gr. III Northern Dancer June 12), but we’re also thinking about the Belmont Stakes,” Margolis said. “He went back to the track [May 5], but won’t we make a decision until after the Preakness (gr. I).”

Prior to his victory May 1, Stay Put had won a pair of races at the Fair Grounds over the winter, then was fifth in both the Risen Star (gr. II) and the Louisiana Derby (gr. II) later in the meet.

Margolis believes Stay Put, a stretch runner, could be closer to the pace in the Belmont Stakes, should the 3-year-old son of Broken Vow   compete in the third leg of the Triple Crown.

“If you watch his race from Saturday (May 1), he was only four lengths off the lead,” Margolis said of Stay Put’s triumph at Churchill Downs. “He can be more tactical, and (regular rider) Jamie Theriot can place him where he needs to be.”

Stay Put races for Richard, Bertram, and Elaine Klein.