Belmont could be in the works for Nehro

Nehro could bypass the Preakness in favor of running fresh in the Belmont (Matt Wooley/EquiSport Photos)

Zayat Stables’ NEHRO (Mineshaft) came out of his runner-up effort in
Saturday’s Kentucky Derby (G1) in good shape, trainer Steve Asmussen told reporters Sunday morning.

“We’re very pleased with him,” Asmussen said. “He’s
himself. He ate up last night and seems pretty good this morning.”

Owner Ahmed Zayat said soon after visiting Nehro in his
stall that the May 21 Preakness S. (G1) at Pimlico remains under consideration but the
June 11 Belmont S. (G1) is a more likely spot for his next start.

“Let’s put it this way,” Zayat said, “if you looked at him
right now you’d think you’d be out of your mind not to run in Baltimore. It’s
more probable we’d aim for the Belmont but I guess we are still possible for the
Preakness.”

A run in Baltimore would be Nehro’s fourth race in eight weeks after
runner-up finishes in the March 26 Louisiana Derby (G2), the April 16 Arkansas
Derby (G1) and the Kentucky Derby.

“To look at him today you’d think he could run tomorrow,” Zayat said. “He
grazed for 45 minutes after the race. Today he’s very playful, playing with us
and kissing the kids. He came out of it in very fine condition.”

Nehro’s ultimate goal for the year, though, according to Zayat, will be the
November 5 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs, and the owner said
decisions about his status for Baltimore and New York will be made bearing that
in mind.

Asmussen was asked about the challenge of getting a horse
to perform as consistently strong as Nehro has with only two weeks leading up to
his two most recent starts.