Palace Malice gets Smith for Belmont Stakes

May 22, 2013 - 7:16 PM Elmont, NY (Sports Network) - Kentucky Derby pacesetter Palace Malice will run in the 145th Belmont Stakes on June 8 with Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith in the saddle.

"The decision is based on the outcome of the Preakness, and the fact that on Sunday at Belmont Park our horse worked a very snappy half in :47.2," Dogwood Stable president Cot Campbell said, "indicating good energy and enthusiasm. The blinkers that jazzed him up in the Kentucky Derby come off and we anticipate no problem with pace or distance. He always rated kindly in previous races, and he will be in good hands with Mike Smith."

Palace Malice set an extremely fast pace in the 139th Kentucky Derby on May 4 before fading to 12th in the 19-horse field at Churchill Downs. Smith was in the saddle that day for trainer Todd Pletcher.

"We are keen to give him another chance - his trainer Todd Pletcher included," explained Campbell. "Who knows which horse will relish a mile and a half; but his pedigree and his disposition - sans blinkers - would give Palace Malice as good a shot as any of them."

Prior to the Run for the Roses, the colt was second in the Blue Grass Stakes, seventh in the Louisiana Derby and third in the Risen Star. He has earnings of $271,135 with one win in seven career starts.