Classic Empire to miss Belmont

The expected favorite for the Belmont Stakes is out of the race.

Classic Empire has an abscess in his right front hoof that will prevent him from running Saturday in the final leg of the Triple Crown series.

Trainer Mark Casse said the abscess was found Wednesday and is a recurrence of the same problem that bothered the colt after his loss in the Holy Bull in February.

"Right now, he's standing in the hot tub," Casse said. "We're trying to get it to break open. As soon as that happens, he'll have instant relief. We are not going into the Belmont off something like that."

Classic Empire was coming off a runner-up finish in the Preakness on May 20 after being fourth in the Kentucky Derby.

"He's such a tough horse, he doesn't really let you know until it's really painful to him," Casse said. "If he hadn't, he would have run in the race and probably not run as well, and then have it flare up. I'm looking toward it as a bright spot, that he showed it three days out and not the day after."

Casse said Classic Empire will be pointed toward the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth this summer.

Oh poor horsey !  :'(

hope he gets better quick : Now to reshuffle my bets !

try it wit' Epicharis.  Irish Cream cheese gets beat

www.horse-races.net/library/bel17-contenders.htm

just 2 days and they are off ! gotta get mt line up ready

I will be at Woodbine !

look for the big half and half dude Maps

Maps does go west to Mohawk  :-[

Looking at Lee!

i love mohawk...especially when it warm with sunshine

i goin later fuh the race an' stay fuh the trots ::LOL::