Prime Cut works toward possible Belmont start

PRIME CUT (Bernstein), a candidate for the $1 million Belmont S. (G1) on June
11, worked five furlongs in 1:03 3/5 on Tuesday at Churchill Downs.

Exercise rider Dane Noel was in the saddle for trainer Neil Howard as Prime
Cut covered the distance over a fast track in fractional splits of :13 2/5, :26
and :38 1/5 before galloping out six furlongs in 1:16 2/5.

“Everything went good,” Howard said. “I was just looking to go just a nice
five-eighths — not too fast, not too slow.  I thought he went well,
finished good and galloped out strong. He’s been running — he’s just come off
the Peter Pan (G2) — so he’s a pretty fit horse.”

Wilkinson (blue silks), shown edging Pants on Fire in the January 22 Lecomte, will skip the Belmont and point toward the June 18 Matt Winn at Churchill Downs (Hodges Photography/Lynn Roberts) Howard said Prime Cut remains in the Belmont Stakes picture, but a final decision is pending. “He’s a possibility,” Howard said. “We’re still going to take another couple of days before we make a decision.” Prime Cut finished third in his most recent start behind Alternation (Distorted Humor) in Belmont’s Peter Pan and was runner-up to Derby Kitten (Kitten’s Joy) in the Lexington S. (G3) prior to that.  His lone win in five races this year was a victory over the well-regarded Bind (Pulpit) in an allowance race at Fair  Grounds.  His career record stands at 2-2-2 in seven races with earnings of $123,685.

Meanwhile, Howard is making stakes plans for two other talented
three-year-olds in his care. The trainer said WILKINSON (Lemon Drop Kid), winner
of Fair Grounds’ Lecomte (G3), would likely compete next in the $125,000 Matt
Winn S. (G3) — formerly known as the Northern Dancer — on Stephen Foster Day,
June 18, at Churchill Downs. Derby Trial (G3) winner MACHEN (Distorted Humor)
will likely run in the Dwyer (G2) on July 2 at Belmont Park.