**To watch video of First Dude's work Saturday morning at
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Contact: NYRA Press Office
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- First Dude tunes up for Belmont Stakes
- Uptowncharlybrown works toward Belmont; others to breeze Sunday
- Jockey Javier Castellano has a banner day Saturday at Belmont
- Trio of book signings scheduled for Belmont Stakes Day
After stopping numerous times on his way to the track and on the track to pose for photographers and videographers, the 17-hands-tall colt got down to business shortly after the renovation break on the main track, with NYRA clockers catching him in 1:01.12.
"It looked like he was just galloping," said Dale Romans, who trains the Stephen Got Even colt for Donald R. Dizney. "Just getting a few trips over this track is good. He looked like he got a lot out of it, and I'm glad we came in early to train over this deeper track."
With just three weeks between races, Romans said he was sticking with his normal program as he trains the Preakness runner-up into the 1 ½ mile
"He's a great, big horse and the big sweeping turns here I think will help him," said Romans. "He's a strong horse and he's handled everything we've given him and bounced right back."
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Fantasy Lane Stable's Uptowncharlybrown also drilled for the Belmont Stakes Saturday morning, covering five furlongs in 1:01.34
"We were looking for :48 up in 1:01 and we got :48 and a couple, up in 1:01, so it went well," said trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. "The distance is a question mark, but it's a question mark for everybody. This horse has a big stride and gallops out strong, always. He's had traffic trips [in his previous races], so hopefully things go a little better at a mile and a half. He came in here a pretty straightforward horse – he does everything right – and he came from good hands so we're just training on."
Previously trained by the late Alan Seewald, Uptowncharlybrown has two wins and two third place finishes from five starts. He was most recently third in the Grade 2, 1 1/16-mile Lexington Stakes at Keeneland on April 17.
"I wish the
Sunday at
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Jockey Javier Castellano rode four winners from six mounts Saturday afternoon at
Castellano won the first race of the day aboard Richard Santulli's heavily favored Straight Story ($2.30) in a 1 1/8-mile inner turf allowance. The rider finished third aboard Truly Kristin in race 4, before piloting longshot Be Before ($41.40) to a win in race 5, a seven-furlong maiden claiming event.
Keeping the streak alive in races 6 and 7, Castellano guided Souper Butterfly ($17.40) and Porkchop Sandra ($14.00) to victory. Three of the rider's four wins came in turf races.
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On Belmont Stakes Day, Saturday, June 5, racing fans at
Author Bill Heller, accompanied by Romero, will sign copies of his book, "Randy Romero's Remarkable Ride," in front of the NYRA Store on the second floor of the clubhouse throughout the day. The just-released book will be available for purchase for $25 in the NYRA Store.
As well, Richard J. Maturi will also be here to sell and sign copies of his book "Triple Crown Winner – The Earl Sande Saga," on the second floor of the clubhouse. The book, which traces the story of the former bronco buster who won the 1930 Triple Crown with Gallant Fox, is available for $20.
Finally, Raymond Woolfe will be selling and signing copies of his book "Secretariat," about the 1973 Triple Crown winner, in the Paddock Tent in the backyard. His books sell for $45.00 hard cover and $ 24.95 soft cover.
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