Although Belmont Is Just Days Away, Alysheba Is Not Yet Feeling the Heat

Alysheba, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, galloped two miles early Sunday morning at Belmont Park before the temperatures climbed into the 90s.

Trainer Jack Van Berg said he was not worried if the heat wave continues through Saturday when Alysheba attempts to win the Belmont Stakes and become the 12th Triple Crown winner in thoroughbred history.

“It’s not like the rest of them are running on the air-conditioned part of the track,” Van Berg said.

Alysheba went the two miles in 2:39, completing the last mile in 1:44.

Trainer Woody Stephens, seeking his sixth straight Belmont victory, sent Gone West for a 7-furlong workout, which was completed in 1:26. Conquistarose, the other half of Stephens’ entry, went six furlongs in 1:14.

Both of trainer LeRoy Jolley’s Belmont colts, Gulch and Leo Castelli, galloped 1 3/8 miles. He was not sure of the colts’ workout plans because of hot weather.

Jolley will leave Monday for Miami, where his mother, Dorothy, died after a long illness. She was the widow of Moody Jolley, also a horse trainer, and a part owner of Leo Castelli with her son and Peter M. Brant.

At Monmouth Park, Bet Twice, runner-up in both the Derby and Preakness, worked seven furlongs in 1:26. Trainer Jimmy Croll said he planned to ship the colt to Belmont Park on Friday or the day of the race.

A field of nine--also including Cryptoclearance, Shawklit Won and Avies Copy--is expected for the 1 1/2-mile Belmont.