Weeraechoux out to upstage hot favourite Petrouchka in Saturday’s Belmont Classic

Trainer Brian Kersley believes he has the right horse to claim Saturday’s $125,000 Listed Belmont Classic (2200m) with second favourite Weeraechoux. Weeraechoux, a $4.20 second elect with TABtouch behind outright favourite Petrouchka ($1.90), erupted after being a clear last on the turn in the Aquanita Stakes a fortnight ago when running a length second to Cool Memory. The son of Jimmy Choux appears to be hitting his straps at the right time, with Kersley delighted at how his gelding has progressed. “I’m very happy with how he’s come through the run,” Kersley said. “He’s eaten well and his work has been good - he’s in the right space mentally. “I think 2200m will suit him down to the ground because his last 100m in the Aquanita was his best, so it won’t be an issue. “Jimmy Choux’s tend to get over a mile to 2200m to 2400m.. “To be honest, the Guineas was his main target, but things didn’t pan out there.” Four weeks ago, Weeraechoux ran in the Belmont Guineas where he sat midfield before being beaten for speed rounding the home turn, but was finishing as strong as any horse late. He was beaten three lengths by Petrouchka on that occasion, with that horse going on to claim the Belmont Oaks for fillies on the same day as Weeraechoux’s Aquanita performance. “I was really happy with that last run because previously he’d been a little too dour,” Kersley said. “I changed a few things with him and freshened him up, and he’s responded to it.” Kersley said that Weeraechoux, who lines up for his fifteenth start in the Classic, has begun to get the message and developed his racing nous. “His barrier manners are slowly improving and I don’t want to be that far back, but ultimately that’s up to Chris (Parnham),” Kersley said. “Petrouchka is the main danger and will be ahead of us in midfield or better so I don’t want to give her too much start, but we might be dictated to by others others where we end up - I hope he settles midfield. “I have the utmost respect for Grant and Alana (Williams) and how they elevate their horses for the bigger races, but he’s up for it and I do think he’s good enough.” Trainer Grant Williams will chase his second win in the Classic after scoring the 2012 edition with Elusive Image when teaming up with jockey William Pike. Pike will again be in the saddle aboard Petrouchka on Saturday as he chases his fifth win in the race. He has scored three of the past four renewals with Chantrea (2020) for Lindsey Smith, Baronova (2021) for Justin Warwick and Ihts Closing Inn (2023) for Adam Durrant.