Casino Drive defects from Belmont Stakes

Undefeated Japanese sensation Casino Drive has been declared from the Belmont Stakes because of a stone bruise in his left hind leg that was discovered Friday morning.

The injured heel was immediately soaked in Epsom salts, and after a trip to the track on Saturday morning, he started favoring his left hind leg during his bath.

Casino Drive loomed a serious pace rival at the very least, and with the blueblood now out of the way, Big Brown’s Triple Crown task became that much easier.

The complexion of the race has changed, and Big Brown’s competition may have to alter their running styles to avoid another romping score by the undefeated Triple Crown hopeful. On paper, it appears as though Nick Zito trainee Da’ Tara will be part of the pace with Big Brown.

Photo Credit: Newscom