In the days leading up to the 157th running of the $2 million Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, the team at usracing.com is publishing profiles of the 3-year-olds in the field. Profiles will be updated with post positions and track odds following the June 2 draw.
Looking back at Uncaged’s early spring campaign, Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher commented: “He’s got a little bit of talent. He just hasn’t put it all together quite yet.”
Will a little bit of talent take Uncaged 1 ¼ miles? Will Saturday’s Belmont Stakes be the time when the Curlin colt puts it all together? Is owner Mike Repole obsessed with winning New York’s biggest race?
Probably, probably not, and of course.
Repole, who paid $450,000 for Uncaged at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, said a short field was a primary consideration in his decision, although the colt has yet to win a stakes race and carries of record of two wins (a maiden and an allowance) in four starts and earnings of $105,450.
“I guarantee a top-seven finish,” he told drf.com before Journalism committed to the race.
Repole, who co-owned 2022 Belmont Stakes winner Mo Donegal, has finished second four times in the Belmont, with runners-up Stay Thirsty (2011), Nest (2022), Forte (2023), and last year Mindframe, who lost by a half-length to Dornoch.
Both of Uncaged’s victories came over muddy tracks, which may or may not be a factor on Saturday, with scattered thunderstorms predicted for Friday and showers on Saturday. His only stakes start has been the Peter Pan Stakes (G3) on May 10 at Aqueduct, in which he finished sixth, beaten 10 ¼ lengths by fellow Belmont contender Hill Road.
Pletcher reported that jockey Kendrick Carmouche told him he had erred in not taking Uncaged to the outside, which, considering his name, seems logical.
“Kendrick said he thought he made a mistake staying inside, felt like he was deterred by the kickback,” Pletcher said. “He said if he had a do-over, he would have kept him out in the clear.”
Uncaged, who will be ridden by Luis Saez on Saturday, had his final serious move 10 days out from the race, covering 4 furlongs in 48.67 at Belmont.
Highly unlikely, but could be a live longshot if it rains.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
