Gitano Hernando ruled out of Belmont Stakes

USA: An ambitious plan to run Dee Stakes runner-up Gitano Hernando in the Belmont Stakes on June 6 has been abandoned.

According to Barry Irwin of owners Team Valor, the Marco Botti-trained colt was lame after his narrow defeat at Chester and will not travel to New York for the final leg of the US Triple Crown.

"He came up lame a few days after his race and will need to walk for about three weeks, which eliminates him from the race," Irwin told Brisnet.com.

"But we plan to point him for grass racing this summer on the East Coast. There are no definitive plans yet.

"It's very frustrating," added Irwin. "He was jostled around quite a bit in the race and probably took a bad step.

"The winner about put him over the rail about 100 yards intothe race, which is why there was an inquiry that lasted nearly 20 minutes."

Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird remains an intended runner in the Belmont after his Preakness Stakes second to superstar filly Rachel Alexandra, whois only a possible for the New York Classic.

Colt was sound this morning, but we missed a week's training and now he cannot make the Belmont.

Crap!

Sorry Barry, I really fancy Mine That Bird, a great run in the Preakness.

Preakness rematch not confirmed for Belmont

USA: The rematch between Preakness Stakes one-two Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird is not certain to happen in the Belmont Stakes, final leg of the Triple Crown on June 6.

Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, beaten only a length at Pimlico by the superstar filly in a thrilling contest, is an intended runner in the 1m4f Classic in New York.

But connections of Rachel Alexandra, the first filly to win the Preakness for 85 years, have yet to commit to the Belmont.

Trainer Steve Asmussen will consult with owner Jess Jackson before making a decision about Rachel Alexandra's next outing.

"He was correct in his assumption she could handle the boys," said Asmussen. "But I don't think there is the sense of urgency now."

Mine That Bird is returning to Churchill Downs before being shipped to Belmont Park.

"He came back good and looks real sharp," said trainer Chip Woolley.

"The plan all along has been to return to Churchill and then ship to Belmont four daysor so before the race."

Coolmore's Kentucky Derby disappointment Dunkirk, Peter Pan Stakes winner Charitable Man and Kentucky Derby fifth and sixth Chocolate Candy and Sumer Bird are expected to point towards the Belmont.

Royal ascot barry?

Borel could partner Mine That Bird in Belmont


USA: CALVIN BOREL could be back aboard Mine That Bird in the Belmont Stakes after Mike Smith, who rode the horse into second place in the Preakness Stakes,got off the Kentucky Derby winner.

Smith had made a commitment to ride Madeo, owned by long standing supporter Jerry Moss, in the Grade 1 Whittingham Stakes at Hollywood Park on the same day leaving Borel in pole position to replace him should Rachel Alexandra not contest the Belmont.

Borel rode Mine That Bird to victory in the Kentucky Derby before opting to ride the filly Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness. She is only a possible for the Belmont, the third race in the Triple Crown series.

"We made this commitment to Madeo before the Preakness, before the filly was sold and Calvin took off Mine That Bird to ride the filly and we got a chance to ride Mine That Bird in the Preakness," Smith's agent Brad Pegram said. "It's just too bad that these races are on the same day."

Not 100% but heard Mine the bird was doubtful?

Evening Hibby, thought the filly was doubtful??

lol..might be getting mixed up

the filly won't run imho.

her pace will get found out on the long run in mine the bird to sluice home by 3!

besides she beat the boys fair and square, why chance it?

put her away for a bit and point her toward the bc
respectfully, Jim.

Morning James, yes, Mine That Bird, flying home.

Mine That Bird 4-5 for Belmont Stakes

USA: Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird is 4-5 favourite in Britain to add the BelmontStakes to his Classic laurels on Saturday June 6.

Star filly Rachel Alexandra, who beat him in the Preakness, is a 5-2 chance with bookmakers Blue Square, who opened an ante-post market on Thursday.

However, Rachel Alexandra has yet to be confirmed an intended runner in the final leg of the Triple Crown, and suggestions from the States are that her connections are leaning against.

Both horses are back on the track for morning workouts at Churchill Downs after their memorable Pimlico clash.

Belmont Stakes

Blue Square: 4-5 Mine That Bird, 5-2 Rachel Alexandra, 4 Dunkirk, 6 Charitable Man, 16 Chocolate Candy, 20 Flying Private, 25 Miner's Escape, 33 Mr Hot Stuff, 50 Luv Gov, Summer Bird