The race-fixing charge against Fallon instituted by the Bitish Horse
Racing Authority has to go to trial. The trial is likely to begin in
September.
Ryan Moore rode for the first time since his Lingfield fall in
mid-March. The 2006 British champion jockey has been booked for several
rides in the next few days.
After serving a suspension, Jamie Spencer was back in action at Sandown
Park on Thursday. He hit the frame twice. Spencer has a plane and a
pilot to take him from one track to another especially when he rides in
the afternoon and in some of the twilight cards.
Frankie Dettori rode at Haydock Park on Thursday afternoon. He took a
plane to Sandown Park to ride Purple Emperor, a $500,000 Godolphin
purchase, in the 8 30 race. Purple Emperor was 10 to 8 on and finished
second in a maiden race over ten furlongs.
Seb Sanders has crossed the 50 mark and has a commanding lead in the
jockeys' standings. He is now favored to win the riders' title.
The Belmont Stakes will be run at Belmont Park in New York on Saturday.
There are seven contenders. Street Sense is conspicuous by his absence.
Curlin is the 6-5 favorite. Hard Spun is listed at 5-2. Rags To Riches,
the only girl in the race, is at 3-1.
Curlin won the Preakness after finishing third in the Kentucky Derby.
Hard Spun was second in the Derby and took third in the Preakness. Rags
To Riches, winner of the Santa Anita Oaks and the Kentucky Oaks, will
attempt to become the first filly to win the Belmont Stakes since Tanya
did it in 1905.
Hard Spun gets Garrett Gomez. John Velasquez rides Rags To Riches.
Robbie Albarado partners Curlin.
The Belmont Stakes carries a $1,000,000 purse and is the 11th event in
the 13-race card. First post is noon and post for the Belmont Stakes is
6.25 P M Eastern time. It will be 3.55 A M on Sunday in India.
Todd Pletcher, trainer of Rags To Riches, said after the draw," she
(Rags To Riches) has had three weeks off. She gets a weight allowance.
She has a staying pedigree."
Rags To Riches is by A P Indy out of Better Than Honour who was Jazil's
dam. Jazil won the 2006 Belmont Stakes.
Steve Asmussen, Curlin's trainer, stated," It has been a thrill in the
Triple Crown races with Curlin. He is ready."
London has had exceptional weather since Oaks day. As I leave London for
my trip to Chicago, I will carry special memories. It was Frankie
Dettori's first Derby win. Light Shift signaled the resurgence of Henry
Cecil. I shall not forget the emotionally-charged post-race ceremonies.
Above all, back to back Derby wins on successive days for Dettori. And
the sight of senior Dettori beaming and mother Dettori trying hard to
conceal her emotion. Royal Ascot begins on Tuesday, June 19. The focus
of attention for the next two days is the Belmont Stakes in New York.
