'Alex' Bound for Saratoga

Trainer Tim Ritchey confirmed Thursday that Preakness and Belmont, both grade I, winner Afleet Alex was expected leave Belmont Park early this afternoon en route to Barn 24 on the Saratoga backstretch later this evening.

The leading Horse of the Year candidate will remain in Saratoga where he will recuperate from a hairline condylar fracture in his left-front leg, at the bottom of the cannon bone, and train for the fall racing season.

"He's continues to do well," Ritchey said. "My goal is to get him to Saratoga safely. He's going to be loaded with eight other horses and we'll see how everything goes once we get there."

While Afleet Alex is expected to arrive later today, Ritchey said he won't be in Saratoga until late Friday. Ritchey will be on the Saratoga grounds on Saturday when he's expected to saddle first-time 2-year-old starter Kid Lemonade in a maiden race.