Mark Valeski all set for a scheduled start in the Peter Pan Stakes
Larry Jones trained 3-year-old colt, Mark Valeski, had enough graded stakes earnings to make the Grade 1, $2 million Kentucky Derby field, but his lackluster pre Derby prep made the connections change their mind, and they decided to bypass the Derby and
head to Belmont Park for a prep race leading toward the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes.
The Grade 2, $1 million Louisiana Derby runner up, Mark Valeski arrived at Belmont Park from Kentucky Derby on 6 May, 2012, where he is scheduled to work on 7 May under regular jockey Rosie Napravnik ahead of the scheduled start in the Grade 2, $200,000
Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park going over a distance of 1 1/8 miles.
“We’re OK, we’re happy with our decision,” said Larry Jones, who teamed with Brereton Jones and Napravnik to win the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) May 4 with Believe You Can “We were going to have to try and be working out a trip like so many others were (in the
Derby).”
Owned and homebred by Brereton C. Jones, Mark Valeski’s long range plan is a start in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga race course on 25 August, 2012, in the summer season, but for now Larry Jones has been found repeatedly saying that the colt might
start in the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes set to go underway on 9 June, 2012.
For a start in the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes, Mark Valeski will have to show he got what it takes to run in the prestigious race with a massive run in the Peter Pan Stakes, impress and leave his connections no choice than to run in the Belmont Stakes.
“The Peter Pan is still on the radar, and the Preakness (gr. I) is still on the radar,” said trainer Mike Hushion. “After talking with Mr. Schwartz, I would say the Peter Pan a little more so than the Preakness. We’ll have to see how he works, and see who’s
going where.”
The son of Proud Citizen, out of mare Pocho’s Dream Girl by Fortunate Prospect out of 5 career starts has won two and finished second in as many times with a lone 4th place finish in a maiden race.
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