GITANO HERNANDO (Hernando [Fr]), who was purchased by Team Valor
International as a possible contender in the June 6 Belmont S. (G1), will not
make the race, according to Barry Irwin of Team Valor.
The colt lost the May 8 Dee S. (Eng-G3) at Chester by a head to longshot
South Easter (Galileo [Ire]). He was on the same plan as My Memoirs (GB), who
ran second to eventual Horse of the Year A.P. Indy in the 1992 Belmont S.
“He came up lame a few days after his race and will need to walk for about
three weeks, which eliminates him from the (Belmont),” Irwin said. “We plan to
point him for grass racing this summer on the East Coast. There are no
definitive plans yet.
“It’s very frustrating. 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
into the race, which is why there was an inquiry that lasted nearly 20 minutes.”
The loss of Gitano Hernando presently leaves a possible field of 10 for the 1
1/2-mile Belmont, including Kentucky Derby winner MINE THAT BIRD (Birdstone).
RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d’Oro), whose courage on Saturday produced a
one-length victory over Mine That Bird in the Preakness S. (G1), is under
consideration but is presently not a confirmed starter.
Others under consideration for the Belmont, according to the New York Racing
Association, are CHARITABLE MAN (Lemon Drop Kid); CHOCOLATE CANDY (Candy Ride
[Arg]); DUNKIRK (Unbridled’s Song); FLYING PRIVATE (Fusaichi Pegasus); LUV GOV
(Ten Most Wanted); MINER’S ESCAPE (Mineshaft); MR. HOT STUFF (Tiznow); and
SUMMER BIRD (Birdstone).