Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted May 28, 2018 Journalists Share Posted May 28, 2018 Albaugh Family Stables’ Free Drop Billy (Union Rags) tuned up for a possible start in the June 9 GI Belmont S. with a five-furlong drill in :59.60 (2/25) Monday at Churchill Downs. Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols caught the colt working through fractions of :12.60, :23.80, :35.60 and :47 before galloping out six furlongs in 1:12, seven furlongs in 1:25.20 and one mile in 1:39.80. “Right now we’re leaning towards running [in the Belmont],” trainer Dale Romans said. “We’ll see how he comes out of the work Tuesday and talk with the owners. We’ll make a final call in the next couple days.” Free Drop Billy, winner of last year’s GI Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity, was 16th in the GI Kentucky Derby. He is a half-brother to Hawkbill (Kitten’s Joy), who most recently won the 12-furlong G1 Dubai Sheema Classic in the Godolphin colors. The exploits of that multiple Group 1 winner give Romans confidence in Free Drop Billy’s ability to get the distance at Belmont. “[Hawkbill] won at 1 1/2 miles, so I think Free Drop Billy could run all day,” Romans said. “Horses in the Belmont will probably only run 1 1/2 miles this one time, so it’s unique for everyone involved. Free Drop Billy certainly has the pedigree to run that distance.” View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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