SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Juddmonte’s Kentucky homebred Batten Down is the latest addition to the prospective field for the Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets as Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott confirmed the son of Tapit has his sights set on the 10-furlong test slated for June 8 at Saratoga Race Course.
“I am,” said Mott when asked if he is considering the Belmont Stakes. “I don’t know if he’ll get in or not – he’s only broken his maiden.” Batten Down was an eye-catching winner at fourth asking in an April 30 maiden special weight going the Belmont distance against elders at Churchill Downs.
Ridden by Junior Alvarado, Batten Down went straight to the lead and never looked back, widening his advantage at every point of call to draw off to an 8 3/4-length victory in a final time of 2:02.49. He was awarded a 92 Beyer Speed Figure.
“It was a spectacular ride by Junior Alvarado,” said Mott. “We were pleased to find out he handled the distance good.” Batten Down has improved with more ground in each start, as would be expected with his pedigree.
Out of multiple Grade 1-winner and 2014 Champion Older Mare Close Hatches, Batten Down is a full-brother to the Mott-trained Tacitus, who finished second in the 2019 Belmont Stakes at its traditional 1 1/2-mile distance and won the 10-furlong Grade 2 Suburban as a 4-year-old. Batten Down finished sixth on debut sprinting seven furlongs in January, but was defeated a neck in his next start wh.
