Creative Minister preps for Belmont with half-mile work

NEW YORK (AP) — Creative Minister breezed a half mile on Tuesday in his next-to-last workout for the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on June 11.

The Kenny McPeek-trained colt was timed in 48.33 seconds for the four furlongs over Belmont Park’s main track.

Creative Minister finished third to Early Voting in the Preakness, the second jewel of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown for 3-year-olds.

“This horse is all class," McPeek said. "It was a nice little maintenance half-mile and wasn’t anything complicated. We just wanted to let him stretch his legs a little over the track. I think historically it’s a track you’ve got to get used to. I had luck with Sarava training him up there immediately after the Preakness.”

McPeek sent out Sarava for a 70-1 upset win in the 2002 Belmont Stakes.

___

More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports