WinStar Farm LLC, CHC Inc., Pantofel Stable LLC and Wachtel Stable’s River Thames, who was withheld from the Kentucky Derby while his connections zeroed in on the Preakness, has pleased his Hall of Fame trainer, Todd Pletcher, with his preparation for the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown at Pimlico Race Course.

“He’s doing well. He galloped well this morning and is scheduled to breeze on Saturday at Belmont,” Pletcher said. “I’m happy with his progress.”

River Thames kicked off his career by winning his first two starts by a combined 11 ¼ lengths before the son of Maclean’s Music came up a neck short of holding off Sovereignty while finishing second in the March 1 Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream following a wide trip. River Thames again lost valuable ground in the Blue Grass (G1), in which he finished third, beaten by less than a length by winner Burnham Square.

“He’s run well in every start. The tough beat in the Fountain of Youth looks even stronger after Sovereignty’s performance in the Derby,” Pletcher said. “He’s held his best form. He’s run well every time. We’re hoping maybe by bringing in a fresh horse, it will give us a little bit of an advantage.”

Overall, River Thames has two wins from four starts and earnings of $261,900. He accrued 50 Kentucky Derby points with his two stakes placings, which would have been sufficient to get him into the Run for the Roses had Pletcher and the ownership group not targeted the Middle Jewel instead. Since the Blue Grass, he has posted two moderate half-mile moves at Pletcher’s Belmont Park base.

Irad Ortiz Jr., who was aboard for the Blue Grass, has the return call on River Thames.