Belmont and other updates

Rachel was confirmed that she will not competing in this Saturday's Belmont stakes. Jess Jackson said they want to give the filly a break and point toward the summer racing. I'm a little disappointed but they know their horse. I hope Rachel gets her rest and is pointed toward some more races against the boys!

Mine that Bird, Dunkirk and Charitable man have put in their last works before the Belmont. I have to say that I'm keeping my eye on Charitable Man. His sire Lemon Drop Kid won the Belmont and his Peter Pan win was nice. I think he's the one to beat at the moment with his running style suiting the pace scenario of this race. The only thing really going against Mine that Bird right now is the pace. With him being a late closer that isn't going to be as effective going a mile and a half. I'm not counting him out though. Dunkirk I'm a little iffy about. I'm not sure if he can get the mile and a half and he isn't carrying much flesh going into this race. He could surprise though. Some other horses to keep in mind are Flying Private, Summer Bird and the Zito horses, Miner's Escape and Brave victory. Zito has been lethal lately in the Belmont with Da' Tara last year and Birdstone, Mine that Bird's sire.

Also Rene Douglass is doing okay right now and his wife reports that "his mind is sharp." I hope for the best.

Friesan Fire was discovered last week to have a stress fracture in his left front leg and a secondary nondisplaced chip fracture in his right front fetlock and will now be out for a while. He had surgery on Friday. Hope he recovers well to come back to racing.

Have a great evening!

Kirsten