Belmont Stakes favourite Nehro, Mineshaft Colt and Kentucky Derby runner-up
After a glorious run in the Kentucky Derby, where Nehro finished second to Animal Kingdom, he had to miss the Preakness Stakes because owner Ahmad Zayat felt the horse needed some rest just to be able to compete in the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes.
Zayat thought it was best to rest the colt and to aim for Belmont Stakes, where he can set out of the traps much faster and fresher.
Trainer, Steve Asmussen, also reckoned that a little break for the horse would be good for him for the rest of the season. Now owner and trainer are more confident that Nehro will be good for the 1 ½ mile classic.
Nehro finished 2nd in all derbies this year, including the Kentucky Derby, Arkansas Derby and the Louisiana Derby. Things are looking up for the 3 year old colt and he is approaching the Belmont Stakes brimming with confidence.
His Sire, Mineshaft, won the Horse of the Year award in 2003 and was known for his speed over long distances.
Nehro looks good because 10 furlongs will not be a problem for him. Mineshaft had no problems covering long classic distances and Nehro is capable of winning the Belmont Stakes despite tough competition in the shape of Shackleford and Animal Kingdom.
Since the Kentucky Derby, Nehro had two workout sessions and one included a six-furlong breeze in 1 minute 12.20 seconds on May 30 at Churchill Downs and that was his first workout on a fast track after five weeks.
It’s not too surprising that his owner, Ahmad Zayat, is being careful with Nehro. Eskendereya, who won the Grade 1 Wood Memorial Stakes, was favourite for the Kentucky Derby, but was forced out of the race due to injury and soon retired.
Rested and fresh, Nehro has to go for it despite tough competition and it’s not going to be easy. He has got his work cut out for him and his trainer and owner are experienced enough to know what to do with the colt.
Nehro is still among the favorites for the Belmont Stakes but he was beaten by a length in the breeze working with Grade-3 placed Dominus and finished behind him.
But his practice session did not affect his owner, or, trainer, in fact they were pleased with the performance and stated that this is what he needed and the Mineshaft colt looked strong.
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