After a very solid run in the May 6 Kentucky Derby (G1), Tapwrit has trained very well since as he makes preparations for Saturday’s $1.5 million Belmont S. (G1), the final leg of the Triple Crown.
Tapwrit finished a very credible sixth in the 20-horse Derby field, despite a very tough trip where he encountered trouble on three different occasions.
I think he ran a sneaky good race in the (Kentucky) Derby. I don’t think it would be a surprise if (he) ran well (in the Belmont),” said trainer Todd Pletcher after Wednesday’s Belmont post position draw.
Tapwrit earned his way into the Triple Crown series with a track record-setting performance in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2). His overall record stands at 3-1-0 from seven starts with earnings of $343,902 for owners Bridlewood Farm, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Robert LaPenta.
The 1 1/2-mile Belmont drew a field of 12. Tapwrit will be ridden by Jose Ortiz, who has been aboard the gray son of Tapit in all four of his 2017 starts.
Post time for the Belmont, race 11, is at 6:37 p.m. ET.