Hall of Fame Trainer Todd Pletcher Seeks Belmont Stakes Glory in 2024
Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher has established himself as one of the most successful and recognizable figures in horse racing over the past three decades. Since starting his own training operation in 1996, the 56-year-old has amassed over 5,700 race wins and more than $484 million in purse earnings.
Pletcher has been a dominant force, winning the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer a remarkable eight times, including as recently as 2022. He is particularly renowned for his prowess with classy dirt horses, having won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile four times, the Kentucky Derby twice, and the Kentucky Oaks four times. Pletcher also captured the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Classic with the horse Vino Rosso, his all-time highest earner on the dirt.
While Pletcher’s stable has been headlined by accomplished dirt routers, he has also found success with versatile runners like 2007 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner English Channel, the leading earner in his Hall of Fame career. In 2004, Pletcher even scored a Breeders’ Cup Sprint triumph with the influential sire Speightstown.
“As the 2024 Belmont Stakes approaches, Pletcher will be looking to add to his impressive Triple Crown resume.”
He has saddled a record 65 Kentucky Derby starters, winning the Run for the Roses twice. However, the Preakness Stakes has been a less frequent stop, with only 10 career starters. In contrast, Pletcher has thrived in the Belmont Stakes, winning the “Test of the Champion” on four occasions, most recently with Mo Donegal in 2022.
This year, Pletcher will be represented by a trio of contenders in the 2024 Belmont Stakes: the lightly raced but promising Mindframe, Peter Pan (G3) winner Antiquarian, and third-place Peter Pan finisher Protective. Antiquarian, in particular, could prove to be a major player, as the Peter Pan has been a productive local prep for the Belmont Stakes in recent years.
Fans and bettors alike will be closely watching Pletcher’s Belmont Stakes runners, as the Hall of Fame conditioner seeks to further cement his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time great trainers. Be sure to check the latest odds and race information on FanDuel Racing as the 2024 Belmont Stakes approaches.
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