“It doesn’t change anything for us,’’ Motion said of the post position. “I don’t think it’s going to take him out of his game.’’
Shackleford, with jockey Jesus Castanon aboard, will try to become the first Belmont winner out of the No. 12 post. The colt trained by Dale Romans also is attempting to become the 22d Preakness-Belmont winner.
Although Motion says Shackleford may have to work harder early in the race to get an inside position, Romans isn’t buying it.
“In a mile-and-a-half race, the post position isn’t that important,’’ Romans said. “With No. 12, he’ll be the last one in and the first one out. Hopefully, he’ll be able to clear the field.’’
Nehro, with Corey Nakatani riding, has finished second in his last three starts. The colt drew the No. 6 post.
“Nehro is very versatile, so he can be anywhere,’’ said Brad Weisbord, racing manager for Nehro’s owner Ahmed Zayat.
The Belmont is the longest and most grueling of the Triple Crown races, and post position usually isn’t considered as vital as in the Derby and Preakness. Motion, though, believes it can be significant.
“It’s not a very long run to the first turn, so I do think it’s important,’’ he said. “I’m glad I’m not hung out there [like Shackleford].’’
For the first time, the first seven finishers from the Derby will be running in the Belmont.
The field, from the rail out, is Master of Hounds (10-1), Stay Thirsty (20-1), Ruler On Ice (20-1), Santiva (15-10), Brilliant Speed (15-1), Nehro (4-1), Monzon (30-1), Prime Cut (15-1), Animal Kingdom (2-1), Mucho Macho Man (10-1), Isn’t He Perfect (30-1), and Shackleford (9-2).
Motion has won big races in 18 years as a trainer, including a couple at the Breeders’ Cup with Better Talk Now and Shared Account and a Whitney Handicap with Bullsbay.
Despite his unforgettable journey through Kentucky, Maryland and New York, Motion refuses to let the hectic pace get to him. Even family and friends say so.
