Live Oak Plantation’s Brilliant Speed, winner of the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I), turned in his final work for the June 11 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), breezing a half-mile in :50.55 under exercise rider and assistant Dan Blacker.
The son of Dynaformer--Speed Succeeds, by Gone West, began a two-minute lick from the five-eighths pole before going his opening quarter in :25 3/5. He came home his final quarter in about :24.95 while under a very loose rein, then galloped out a strong eighth in :13 flat for a 1:03.62 gallop-out.
“We didn’t want anything fast,” said trainer Tom Albertrani. “He gets fit by himself, and I’m very happy with the way he’s doing. He’s handling the surface well, and I know a lot of turf horses will work well, but he couldn’t be doing any better, and that’s the important thing.
“I like having a fresh horse going into the race, and if he’s good enough I feel he’s going to run a good race.
Brilliant Speed, bred by Live Oak Stud, finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), but was forced to go eight-wide turning for home and was beaten only 5 1/2 lengths by the victorious Animal Kingdom .
