Gosger to Skip Belmont Stakes, Eyes Summer Campaign
Gosger, who nearly pulled off a 15-1 upset in the Preakness Stakes, will not contest the final leg of the Triple Crown, trainer Brendan Walsh confirmed Wednesday.
The Harvey A. Clarke Racing Stables’ colt opened a five-length lead in the May 17 Grade I Preakness before being run down in the final strides by Journalism (Curlin). Walsh first mentioned the decision during his appearance on At the Races With Steve Byk Monday morning before confirming it to Daily Racing Form.
“I don’t think we’re going to go to the Belmont. I think we’ll give him a little more time,” Walsh told DRF. “We’ll see how the next few weeks go. I think he’ll improve.”
The Nyquist colt earned his Preakness berth following a two-length victory in the Grade III Stonestreet Lexington Stakes on April 12. At Pimlico, he attended a strong early pace before taking command from Clever Again (American Pharoah) in upper stretch.
[Spoiler Alert] Traffic issues that affected Journalism approaching the eighth pole allowed Gosger to spurt clear momentarily. Only a remarkable late rally from the Kentucky Derby runner-up denied the upset.
The connections are now targeting either the Grade I Haskell Invitational Stakes at Monmouth Park on July 19 or the Grade II Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga on July 26. Either race could serve as a stepping-stone to the Grade I DraftKings Travers Stakes at Saratoga on August 23.
Gosger is a half-brother to Grade I QE II Challenge Cup winner Harvey’s Lil Goil (American Pharoah). He’s out of the unraced Gloria S (Tapit), a half-sister to the Clarke-bred dual Classic winner I’ll Have Another (Flower Alley). This family also includes recent Grade II Churchill Distaff Turf Mile third-place finisher Movin’ On Up (Accelerate).
