Interactif Racehorse Belmont Stakes Preview

Interactif
3-2-1, 8 Races

Notable Past Performances

Race
Bluegrass Stakes (G1)
San Felipe (G2)

Distance
1 1/8
1 1/16

Odds
3.00
6.00

Post
9
2

End Result
4
2

Like many other horses in these fields of the Triple Crown races, Interactif might not have been eligible for the field in stronger years. This weak crop of three year olds could make him a player in the Belmont Stakes, though. Originally bred as a dirt horse, Interactif switched over to the turf for four races from the end of his two year old year to the start of his three year old campaign. Jockey Kent Desormeaux had the mount aboard Interactif while on the turf, but after racing in a few graded races, trainer Todd Pletcher decided to see what this colt could do on the dirt with the big boys once again.

The results were good, but arguably not really good enough to be legitimate Triple Crown material. Finishing fourth at the Bluegrass probably isn't a great sign, because even though this was a Grade I race, the competition and speed weren't exactly impressive. He has already been outdueled by four other current Derby contenders, which is a bad sign. Mother nature helped keep Interactif from running in May's Run for the Roses.

Jockey Javier Castellano will get the ride aboard Interactif at the Belmont, marking his first trip with this colt.

There are some positive notes about Interactif as well. Distance certainly won't be an issue as this horse has been closing strong at 1 1/16 miles since his turf days. Both sire and dam, Broken Vow and Broad Pennant were bred for distance as well. Other horses in the lineage of Interactif include some fantastic horses such as War Emblem and Unbridled.

Aside from a maiden race at Monmouth Park, Interactif hasn't won a race on dirt in his career. It doesn't seem likely that his next win will come with the stakes this high, but he'll stick around and be in contention late on thanks to his superior closing abilities and fantastic breeding.