Peter Pan S. (G2) winner CASINO DRIVE (Mineshaft) did not go to the track
Friday morning on the day before the 140th running of the Belmont S. (G1) and
his status for Saturday’s 1 1/2-mile classic is now questionable.
“He has a small issue with his left-hind leg, and we were not happy,” said
Nobutaka Tada, spokesman for owner Hidetoshi Yamamoto and trainer Kazuo
Fujisawa. “So, we did not go to the track.
“We have not yet scratched him from the race. We think it might be a small
stone bruise and we will watch it closely.”
Casino Drive, a half-brother to 2006 Belmont winner Jazil (Seeking the Gold)
and a three-quarter brother to 2007 Belmont heroine Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy),
won the nine-furlong Peter Pan by 5 3/4 lengths in 1:47 4/5 on May 10.
“It was a small movement that we did not like,” Tada said. “We want to run in
the Belmont Stakes. He was bred for this race and that is why we are here. We
are planning on running, but we have to be sure he is well.”
Casino Drive had a unconventional workout on Thursday beneath jockey Edgar
Prado and did not seem to like the muddy/sealed track. He repeatedly switched
leads through the lane.
Casino Drive, the 7-2 second choice on the morning line, is one of two
undefeated horses entered in the Belmont. The other, undefeated Kentucky Derby
(G1) and Preakness S. (G1) winner BIG BROWN (Boundary), is seeking to become
racing’s 12th Triple Crown winner. His record is 5-0, and only Seattle Slew in
1977 ever won the Triple Crown while undefeated.