Trainer Todd Pletcher, who saddled filly Rags to Riches to victory in the 2007 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), is considering a pair of fillies he trains for this year's 1 1/2-mile classic June 8 at Belmont Park.
Appearing on the "At the Races with Steve Byk" radio show May 6, Pletcher said he is considering Stonestreet Stables' homebred Dreaming of Julia and Repole Stable's Unlimited Budget for the Belmont. Kelly Wietsma, who serves in public relations for the multiple Eclipse Award-winning trainer, confirmed Pletcher is considering running against males with either or both of the fillies in the Belmont.
Dreaming of Julia was sent off as the 3-2 favorite in the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) May 3 at Churchill Downs but settled for fourth place after she was bumped hard at the start of that 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-old fillies. The daughter of A. P. Indy—Dream Rush, by Wild Rush, entered the Kentucky Oaks off a 21 3/4-length victory in the Gulfstream Oaks (gr. II) March 30 at Gulfstream Park.
Fair Grounds Oaks (gr. II) winner Unlimited Budget contested the pace throughout the Kentucky Oaks before finishing third in the race won by Princess of Sylmar, who also is trained by Pletcher. The Street Sense filly had won her first four career starts.
In 2007 Pletcher secured his first classic victory when Rags to Riches became the first filly in more than 100 years, and third overall, to win the Belmont.