Avies Copy Joins Belmont Field for His Fifth Race in Six Weeks

Avies Copy, “iron horse” of the 1987 Triple Crown races, Wednesday was added to the field that will try to stop Alysheba’s Triple Crown bid in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes.

The 1 1/2-mile Belmont will be the fifth race in six weeks for Avies Copy, who finished third in the Kentucky Derby as a member of the 24-1 mutuel field.

Fearing that the Lord Avie colt might be too tired after his victory in the May 25 Jersey Derby, trainer Dave Kassen watched Avies Copy work out before committing him to the Belmont.

Kassen decided to enter the horse after clocking him in 1:02 1/5 for five-eighths of a mile under exercise rider Debbie Twardy. The colt galloped out another furlong in 1:16 3/5.

“Everything’s a go,” Kassen said. “He looks super. I can’t see where he’s doing a bit worse than he was before the Derby. If anything, he’s doing as good or better.

“All the vital signs that indicate a horse is healthy are there. He’s eating well, feeling good. He looks good. I couldn’t be happier with this horse.