Peter Pan Stakes winner Tonalist points to Belmont Stakes

Peter Pan Stakes winner Tonalist points to Belmont Stakes: Tonalist proved to be a serious contender in the Belmont Stakes after winning the 60th Running of the Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York on Saturday, May 10, 2014.

The Belmont Track was a sloppy one for the Grade 2 $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes. Seven 3-year-old colts took to the 1 1/8 mile dirt track for the race that is considered a ”prep” for the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes. Tonalist and jockey Joel Rosario had a bumpy start exiting the gate but quickly gained the lead and crossed the finish line first in 1:48.30.

Jockey Joel Rosario reported after the Peter Pan Stakes, “When they opened the gate he was a little unprepared and then he figured it out quick. He was doing it easy; he was doing it on his own. He’s a big horse with a long stride, when you get him in the bridle, the more you ask, the more he’ll give.”

The 6-5 favorite Tonalist is trained by Christophe Clement who reported, “I thought he was fit coming off the layoff. This win is nice, it’s great; Mr. Evans is very happy. Let’s see how the horse comes out of it but of course we have to think about the Belmont Stakes. We’re New York people and we’re at Belmont.”

Commissioner finished second behind Tonalist in the Peter Pan Stakes and will most likely join the colt in the 2014 Belmont Stakes.

When asked if 2nd place finisher Commissioner will head for the Belmont Stakes starting gate on June 7th trainer Todd Pletcher replied, “I think so. We certainly feel he would handle the distance of a mile and a half. We’ll see how he comes out of it, but talking to Elliot Walden, WinStar president and CEO initially after the race we’d be inclined to go to the Belmont if he’s doing well.”

The Belmont Stakes is the third jewel of the Triple Crown and Tonalist is surely a strong contender alongside Commissioner.

Peter Pan Stakes 2014 Results & Payouts:
4 Tonalist and Joel Rosario $4.40 to Win, $2.70 to Place,  $2.30 to Show
3 Commissioner and Javier Castellano $3.70 to Place,  $2.40 to Show
7 Irish You Well and Irad Ortiz, Jr. $3.90 to Show
Also ran: 1 – Matterhorn , 5 – Tapicero , 6 – Our Caravan , 2 – Fabulous Kid

2014 Peter Pan Stakes Replay: