Rags to Riches given clean bill of health

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Saratoga Springs, NY (Sports Network) - Belmont Stakes winner Rags to Riches has been declared fit and ready to return to the races. The three-year-old filly is back at the Belmont Park barn of trainer Todd Pletcher and can resume training.

Veterinarian Paul Thorpe examined Rags to Riches and pronounced her fit. She galloped at Belmont Park Monday morning after the exam.

"After reviewing the results of the physical exam she had at New Bolton, Dr. Thorpe felt there was no reason for her not to resume training," said Pletcher. "She galloped at Belmont this morning and will ship to Saratoga tomorrow, following a gallop at Belmont tomorrow morning. I will watch her train over the next week before I make a final decision on whether or not she will race in the Alabama on August 18."

Rags to Riches was sent to the New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania for a complete examination after a preliminary one performed by Dr. Steve Allday. All the concern came about after she was pulled up during a workout last weekend.

The leading three-year-old filly has not raced since becoming just the third female to win the Belmont Stakes. She missed the Coaching Club American Oaks at Belmont Park after she came down with a fever.

Rags to Riches is owned by Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, and has earned almost $1.3 million this year. She is undefeated in five starts in 2007. The Alabama Stakes at Saratoga is scheduled for Saturday, August 18.