Ten Most Wanted Breezes at Hollywood Park for Belmont Stakes

Ten Most Wanted, who finished a disappointing ninth in the Kentucky Derby at odds of 6-1, turned in a sharp 6-furlong breeze in 1:13 2/5 at Hollywood Park Wednesday in preparation for the Belmont Stakes.

Trainer Wally Dollase said the son of Deputy Commander came out of the Derby with a sore back after bumping hard with Scrimshaw at the start. The latter suffered a hip pointer from the incident, but rebounded to finish third in the Preakness Stakes.

"The same chiropractor worked on both horses," Dollase said. "The back problem is all straighened out, and he's been thriving here. He's back to his old self. He went slow the first part of the work today, then finished up strong. I'll work him seven furlongs next week, then ship to Belmont on June 3. I've had good luck shipping in late to Belmont. I'll just school him in the paddock several times to have him get used to everything.

"The way (Funny Cide) ran in the Preakness, the Belmont is almost a done deal, especially with him back on his home track. You have to give that horse a lot of credit. He was awesome; he's a special horse. But my horse will 100% sound, and hopefully he'll like the track."

Ten Most Wanted, impressive winner of the Illinois Derby, impressed railbirds at Churchill Downs each day with the way he trained and acted. He worked brilliantly for the race and made a magnificent appearance every morning. "He came into the race super, but it just wasn't meant for us," Dollase said.

Empire Maker, the likely second choice for the Belmont, showed his sharpness on Tuesday, working 6 furlongs in 1:12 at Belmont for Bobby Frankel.

"Empire Maker did just fine," Frankel said. "It was just what he needed to stay fit. There is no more fooling around with him. I've taken it too easy with him. This race, we have to get much more serious. The Belmont Stakes is where I find out what he's made of."

Also working Tuesday was Atswhatimtalknbout, who is likely to get a good deal of support in the Belmont following his fast-closing fourth in the Kentucky Derby. The son of A.P. Indy breezed an easy 6 furlongs at Churchill Downs in 1:16 1/5.