The last time Thunder Snow encountered a wet track in North America, he was pulled up an eighth of a mile into the 2017 Kentucky Derby.

Wednesday morning, over a muddy and back-raked Belmont main track, Thunder Snow appeared to handle the moisture just fine as he breezed an easy half-mile in 52.94 seconds in preparation for Saturday's Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup.

The time was fairly insignificant as European-based horses don't typically work fast. Plus, the track was wet, the race is three days away, and exercise rider Ian Burns didn't ask Thunder Snow at any point in the breeze.

After backing up to the six-furlong pole, Thunder Snow galloped to the half-mile pole and was kept two paths off the rail by Burns. Thunder Snow went his first quarter in 27.69 seonds and then got his final quarter in 25.25, reaching out nicely while Burns barely moved.

Also of note, Mendelssohn, the Travers runner-up, arrived Tuesday from Ireland and is still doing quarantine. Not sure if he's out in time to train Thursday yet or not. 

Will have more on the Gold Cup, post positions for which will be drawn today, later on drf.com