Mucho Macho Man Gearing Up for Belmont Run

BELMONT, N.Y. – Mucho Macho Man recently completed his most thorough workout leading up to Saturday’s 143rd running of the Belmont Stakes, the final leg in thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown.

Riding under new jockey Ramon Dominguez, Mucho ran the five furlongs in 59.57. Suwanee locals Dean and Patti Reeves own the bay colt, who placed third in the Kentucky Derby and sixth in the Preakness.

“He went very good today, I think Ramon fit him really well,” said trainer Kathy Ritvo. “He was comfortable on him, he let him do it on his own, and he went great. Finished up well, galloped out good, good energy. I’m happy that he’s doing really well.”

Mucho Macho Man is one of three horses to race in all three legs of the Triple Crown. Others include Derby winner Animal Kingdom and Preakness winner Shackleford. Ritvo said she welcomes the competition.

“I think he’s going to run well on this racetrack,” said Ritvo, who trains Mucho Macho Man for Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Dream Team Racing Stable. “It’s a great place to train a horse. It’s a great place to run. And I think the distance is going to suit him well. He’s the kind of horse who wants to keep going.”

On the backstretch during the workout, Dominguez allowed the colt to quicken his pace, which resulted in a split of 12.08, 23.93, and 35.22, galloping out six furlongs in 1:13.18.

“He’s been super, I’ve never had anything like this before,” said Ritvo. “He eats well, eats three or four times a day. He never leaves an oat. He loves to train; you put the tack on him, he’s a professional.”

Dean Reeves is speaking at a media luncheon in Manhattan on Tuesday afternoon. Check Patch.com for other stories about Mucho Macho Man throughout the week leading up to race day.