Trainer Graham Motion indicated the day after Icabad Crane finished third in the Preakness Stakes (G1) that he would consider running the colt in the Belmont Stakes (G1).
"I think it's definitely a possibility," Motion said. "Obviously, we want to see how he is, but I think Jeremy [Rose] feels that the distance is not an issue with him. I think with a cleaner trip [in the Preakness], there was a good shot that we would have been a good second. With that in mind, we might pursue it.
"It's not through lack of respect for Big Brown, because obviously he's the horse we all thought he was. But he's still got to go out there and win the race. It's three weeks from now and a lot can happen between now and then."
Icabad Crane appeared to have come out of the Preakness in relatively good shape.
"He seems absolutely fine," Motion said. "No problems. His eyes are a little swollen just from getting a lot of dirt in his face, but he seems well and quite perky, really.
"Because he's so laid-back about everything, it doesn't seem to knock him out quite like it might another horse. He just takes it in his stride. He obviously ran hard and he's tired, but he seems fine."
Trainer Graham Motion discussing Icabad Crane a few days prior to the Belmont Stakes (G1):
"We have a very consistent horse who has never been worse than third. He is still learning, but he is a much different horse than he was earlier this year."