There are 10 days until the Belmont Stakes, but there is still plenty of action taking place off the track. Medal Count, the 8th place finisher in the Kentucky Derby, will take a crack at California Chrome in the Belmont Stakes. Matterhorn, the fourth place finisher in the Peter Pan Stakes, is also under strong consideration for the Belmont Stakes. On horse, however, is no longer considered for the Belmont. Candy Boy will not run in the Belmont and will focus on races on the West Coast his trainer John Sadler said.

Medal Count had a busy early spring with three races in four weeks culminating in his 8th place finish in the Kentucky Derby. On April 4 he won the Grade 3 Transylvania Stakes and then ran in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes eight days later where he finished 2nd. Trainer Dale Romans confirmed that Robby Albarado will get the mount on Medal Count.

Matterhorn was recently considered for the Belmont Stakes after being purchased by a partnership led by Eclipse Thoroughbreds. His previous owners were the prominent Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor, and Mr. and Mrs. John Magnier. Todd Pletcher will remain as trainer of Matterhorn. A final decision on his Belmont Stakes status will be made after he works over the weekend.

Candy Boy will skip the Belmont Stakes and run in the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Derby on July 5. California Chrome is the reason why they are skipping the Belmont Stakes as the connections feel they will be better suited staying away from the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner. The Los Alamitos Derby is race for 3 year olds at 1 1/8 miles on the main track with a purse of $500,000.

In workout related news, Matuszak breezed 5 furlongs in 1:01.56 on Monday morning in preparation for the Belmont Stakes.

On a sad note, Intense Holiday has been retired after suffering an injury due to a workout on Sunday morning. He will begin a stud career starting in 2015 but there has been no decision as to where he will stand at stud.

California Chrome continues to get acclimated to the Belmont Park main track and he has taken to the track very well. He had a two mile gallop on Wednesday morning under exercise rider William Delgado.

The prospective field for the Belmont Stakes now stands at 12 horses. The horses under consideration are below.

California Chrome

Commanding Curve

Commissioner

Kid Cruz

Matterhorn

Matuszak

Medal Count

Ride On Curlin

Samraat

Social Inclusion

Tonalist

Wicked Strong