Trainer Bob Baffert said he is “probably leaning against running” Code West in next Saturday’s 145th Belmont Stakes after the colt worked five furlongs in 1:00 3/5 at Churchill Downs yesterday morning. Code West — a son of 1999 Belmont winner Lemon Drop Kid — worked in company with another Baffert 3-year-old, Power Broker, who was clocked going six furlongs in 1:13 1/5.
Code West and Power Broker, neither of which ran in the Kentucky Derby or Preakness, are both owned by Gary and Mary West.
Also yesterday, trainer Rudy Rodriguez said that Vyjack, who tired badly to finish 18th in the Derby, is under consideration for the 1 1/2-mile “Test of the Champion.”