Contenders
Casino Drive
Trainer: Kazuo Fujisawa
Jockey: Edgar Prado
Owner: Hidetoshi Yamamoto
Breeder: Shell Bloodstock
Much has been made of Casino Drive since his Japanese connections decided a few months ago to ship the colt from the Orient specifically with the Belmont (gr. I) in mind. His one race in Japan was a ridiculously easy score at 1-5 against an overmatched group of maidens on Feb. 23. With two siblings, Jazil and Rags to Riches, winning the Belmont, he was brought to New York in an attempt to continue the streak. He looked sharp prepping in the Peter Pan (gr. II), winning easily in what was an admittedly weak renewal of the race. It will be a lot to ask for him to go the 12 furlongs in only his third lifetime start, especially facing the budding superstar Big Brown, but at the least his pedigree says he is not without hope.
Auction History
| Year | Sale | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Keeneland September Yearling Sale | $950,000 |
Racing History
| Date | Race Name | Distance | Finish | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/10/07 | Peter Pan (gr. II) | 9 f | 1 | $120,000 |
| 02/23/08 | Maiden @ Kyoto, Japan | 9 f | 1 | $65,282 |
| Record: 2 Starts, 2-0-0 | Total Earnings: $185,282 | ||||
| Race Records provided by equineline.com | ||||
More on BloodHorse.com:
Belmont Doings: Casino Works
For the third time in about a week Casino Drive had one of those non-published works that everyone has come to expect. The first time was by himself, the second with two workmates, and today's with one workmate. But this time it was different, as his jockey Edgar Prado was aboard for the first time.
Final Workout for Casino Drive
After being delayed by one day due to inclement weather and track conditions, Casino Drive's final preparations for the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) were completed Thursday when the son of Mineshaft worked at Belmont Park.
NYRA Pegs Belmont Stakes Field at Nine
The New York Racing Association said June 2 a field of nine is probable for the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), third leg of the Triple Crown.
On Schedule With Casino Drive
Casino Drive, the son of Mineshaft who is expected to provide some of the stiffest competition to Big Brown in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), follows a daily routine that raises eyebrows on the backstretch of Belmont Park but is consistent with how he is trained in Japan.
Prado to Ride Casino Drive in Belmont
Although top jockeys from across the country were clamoring for a chance to ride Casino Drive in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I), one rider's prior experience at shooting down Triple Crown contenders made him the perfect man for the job. On May 28, it was announced that Edgar Prado would become the colt's pilot, adding more intrigue to the highly-anticipated June 7 event.
Casino Drive Works -- Or Does He?
Belmont Stakes (gr. I) contender Casino Drive went to the track for a scheduled work Wednesday, May 28, but in the end it was decided by the clockers that the time was too slow to be published as an official workout.
Casino Drive 50-50 for Wednesday Breeze
Nobutaka Tada, spokesperson for the connections of Casino Drive, said the Peter Pan Stakes (gr. II) winner was "50-50" to breeze on Wednesday in preparation for the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I).
Challengers Ready for Big Brown
With the chance for a Triple Crown on the line, the field for the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) June 7 at Belmont Park is beginning to take shape. In addition to Crown hopeful Big Brown, six rivals are gearing up at their chance to stop him.
Casino Drive Waits for Belmont
Casino Drive came out of his victory in the Peter Pan (gr. II) May 10 at Belmont Park as effortlessly and professionally as raced in his United States debut. Now, he is ready to tackle the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes (gr. I) June 7.
Casino Drive Spectacular in Peter Pan
On May 10 at Belmont Park, North America got its first look at the colt who could have the best chance at spoiling Big Brown's entry into racing immortality, as Japanese invader Casino Drive blew away eight challengers to win the $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes (gr. II) in sensational fashion.
Tomcito Hopes For Better in Peter Pan
Jet Set Racing's Tomcito, one of four horses that did not make the cut in last week's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), will be looking to make a splash in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) instead. To do that, the son of Street Cry will take the traditional route, entering in the $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes (gr. II) May 10, a 1 1/8-mile contest that serves as the local prep for third leg of the Triple Crown.
| Casino Drive | Mineshaft | A. P. Indy |
| Prospectors Delite | ||
| Better Than Honour | Deputy Minister | |
| Blush With Pride |
RSS
