Peter Pan Stakes (gr. II) winner Tonalist took to the Belmont Park track early the morning of May 25, breezing five furlongs in 1:01.66 in preparation for the Belmont Stakes (gr. I).
The 3-year-old Tapit colt, trained by Christophe Clement for owner Robert S. Evans, recorded fractional times of :25.19 and :49.17 for the first half-mile of the work as he progresses toward the June 7 Belmont. He is expected to breeze once more in a week's time before the "Test of the Champion."
"Nice work," said Clement. "He looked good, was willing, and came back in good order. It was not the most aggressive work, but it was what we wanted. He galloped out in :13 and 3/5 this morning, so it was a strong gallop out.
"The plan is to bring him back this coming Saturday or Sunday and work him in company with Life In Shambles," said Clement. "It will probably be a touch more aggressive. I just hope we can keep him sound and life is good."
Tonalist was consigned by Sweezey and Partners to the 2012 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling sale where he was bought back for $195,000 and then later purchased privately. The colt is one of several Belmont prospects expected to work at Belmont Sunday. They will all be attempting to spoil the Triple Crown bid of California Chrome in the 1 1/2-mile event.
Bred in Kentucky by Woodslane Farm, Tonalist posted a four-length triumph in the May 10 Peter Pan for his second win in four starts. The win improved the colt's earnings to $157,000.
