Belmont Park Report 06/04

Sarava (front) and Rock Hard Ten © Patty Yount 2004

One of the big events this week was Rock Hard Ten's workout with 2002 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Sarava, who is trained by Bob Baffert. These two have been going to the track together in the mornings. They look alike, although Rock Hard Ten is taller. Rock Hard Ten galloped strongly, but is facing a difficult situation. Jockey Patrick Valenzuela was ruled off the track by stewards, so a new jockey, Alex Solis, will be riding the big horse.

Another Belmont hopeful, Master David, may be scratched due to the inclement weather expected on Saturday. He is trained by Bobby Frankel.

Master David Gets a Bath © Patty Yount 2004

The real hero of the spring, Smarty Jones, has attracted an astounding media flurry in the past few weeks. The night before the Belmont, he led Yahoo! Sports' poll of exciting sporting events to watch this weekend, beating out the first round of the NBA Finals. He graced the cover of Sports Illustrated and ESPN magazine, with more expected if he wins the Belmont.

Also seen around the track were former Triple Crown runners Peace Rules, who was third in the 2003 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Balto Star, who ran in the 2002 edition before turning into a top turf horse.