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Bernardini will not run in Belmont

Bernardini will skip the third jewel of the Triple Crown (Jim Tyrrell/Horsephotos.com)
Darley Stable announced Wednesday that Preakness S. (G1) winner BERNARDINI (A.P. Indy) will not run in the Belmont S. (G1) on June 10.

"Bernardini has had three races in quick succession, and Sheikh Mohammed feels that the colt deserves a break before his next target, which will be determined in due course," said Jimmy Bell, president of Darley's United States operations.

Bernardini broke his maiden in his second career start by 7 3/4 lengths at Gulfstream Park on March 4, then captured the Withers S. (G3) by 3 3/4 lengths at Aqueduct on April 29. The Darley homebred won last Saturday's Preakness by 5 1/4 lengths, awarding Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum with his first classic win in the United States.

"Given the fact that Bernardini only broke his maiden in March and won a Grade 1 race in May, we fell that he climbed the ladder of competition quite quickly," Bell said. "Having said that, we believe he deserves a break."

Bernardini will be considered for the Jim Dandy S. (G2) on July 29 at Saratoga, Haskell Invitational H. (G1) on August 6 at Monmouth Park, and Travers S. (G1) on August 26 at Saratoga. His ultimate goal will be the Breeders' Cup Classic on November 4 at Churchill Downs.


 


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