Animal Kingdom (red cap, leading): has bounced out well from his last run
PICTURE: Alex Evers / Equisport PhotosAnimal Kingdom given green light for Belmont
USA: Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom has been given the go-ahead to contest the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown on June 11.
Trainer Graham Motion confirmed the decision on Friday, six daysafter the colt was beaten a half-length by Belmont possible Shackleford in the Preakness Stakes.
"We just made the decision that he will be coming to the Belmont," said Motion, speaking from his base at the Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland.
"He bounced out of the Preakness very well and we are looking forward to running in the Belmont Stakes. He will probably come to Belmont Park the week leading up to race, depending on where we decide to have his final workout."
Animal Kingdom will be bidding to become just the 12th horse in history to complete the Derby-Belmont double, a feat last accomplished in 1995 by Thunder Gulch.
A double-figure field looks assured for the New York Classic, which could still feature the first seven home in the Kentucky Derby, including runner-up Nehro and third-placed Mucho Macho Man.
Master Of Hounds, fifth at Churchill Downs, has been confirmed an intended starter for Ballydoyle trainer Aidan O'Brien.
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