Palace Malice to rest before 2014 campaign

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Aiken, SC (SportsNetwork.com) - Belmont Stakes winner Palace Malice came out of Saturday's Breeders' Cup Classic in good shape and will now get a rest before beginning his 4-year-old season.

"Palace Malice broke awkwardly and thus was ninth early on behind horses," it was noted on owner Dogwood Stable's website. "Rafael Bejarano, a late replacement for John Velazquez, who was injured earlier in the day, guided Palace Malice to the outside four wide. Seventh after three-quarters of a mile three lengths back, Palace Malice made a nice move in the second turn while five wide before flattening out in the stretch. When Palace Malice broke poorly, he was taken out of the game plan of being in a stalking position.

"While disappointed with the outcome of this race, we are so very thankful for all the thrills Palace Malice has given us this year. He will now get a well deserved rest in Aiken."

Trained by Todd Pletcher, Palace Malice finished just seven lengths behind Mucho Macho Man as the 8-1 fourth choice in the 11-horse Classic field.

He closes his 3-year-old year with two wins, three seconds and a third from 10 starts and $1,419,135.