Casino Drive makes Belmont statement in Peter Pan
Casino Drive announced his presence as a major contender for the June 7 Belmont Stakes with an impressive 5 3/4-length victory in Saturday’s Grade 2, $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park.
Casino Drive is a son of Mineshaft out of the mare Better Than Honour, who is the mother of Belmont Stakes winners Jazil and Rags to Riches. Casino Drive raced just once prior to the Peter Pan, scoring an 11 1/2-length maiden win in Japan in February. His connections were using the Peter Pan as a prep for the Belmont.
Under Kent Desormeaux - the regular rider of Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown - Casino Drive saved all the ground after breaking from the rail and raced in fourth position while Mint Lane set fractions of 23.08 seconds, 46.31, and 1:10.47 for the opening six furlongs.
Approaching the quarter pole, Desormeaux took Casino Drive off the rail and he adroitly split the duo of Mint Lane and Golden Spikes turning for home. Casino Drive drew clear and covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.87 over a drying out track labeled fast and returned $4.50 as the favorite.
