Dr. Pleasure returns at Belmont Park

DR. PLEASURE (Thunder Gulch), a highly regarded three-year-old, is entered in

Wednesday's featured 8TH race at Belmont Park. The bay colt impressively

defeated maiden special weight foes by a widening 7 1/4 lengths when unveiled at

Saratoga last summer. In his next two outings, he finished second in the Cowdin

S. and then a non-threatening seventh after a wide trip in the Breeders' Cup

Juvenile (G1).

Dr. Pleasure made his sophomore debut in an about seven-furlong allowance race at Keeneland, forcing the early issue from the outside before finishing

third, beaten 9 3/4 lengths. He is the first foal out of 1999 Breeders' Cup

Distaff (G1) heroine Beautiful Pleasure (Maudlin), who was named champion older

female that same year. Beautiful Pleasure won five other Grade 1 events,

including two consecutive editions of the Personal Ensign H. (G1), and retired with a record of 25-10-5-2 and

earnings of $2,734,078.

A victory on Wednesday could propel Dr. Pleasure toward the Jim Dandy S. (G2)

on July 29 at Saratoga, according to trainer John Ward Jr.

Ward also trains STRONG CONTENDER (Maria's Mon), a candidate for the Dwyer S.

(G2) on Independence Day at Belmont Park, and the undefeated MINISTER'S BID

(Deputy Minister), who will likely make his next start against stakes

competition. All three -- Dr. Pleasure, Strong Contender and Minister's Bid --

are under consideration for the $1 million Travers S. (G1) on August 26 at the

Spa.