Saturday, June 7, 2008

BREAKING: Casino Drive scratched from Belmont Stakes

The chances of Big Brown winning the Triple Crown are higher now. From the AP via NBC Sports/MSNBC:

"Casino Drive was scratched from the Belmont Stakes hours before the final leg of the Triple Crown on Saturday morning due to a bruised left hind hoof. Racing manager Nobutaka Tada said Casino Drive was fine during a three-furlong jog early Saturday, but he appeared to be favoring the hoof while receiving a bath following the workout. Tada said the decision to scratch the Peter Pan Stakes winner was a precautionary measure. He classified the injury as minor, but didn't want to take any chances during the grueling 1 1/2-mile race.

"Casino Drive was the early second choice behind Triple Crown favorite Big Brown. The horse will be shipped back to Japan on Tuesday, but could return later this year to run in the Breeders' Cup."

While Casino Drive's injury is unfortunate, as I mentioned above, Big Brown's chances of winning the coveted Triple Crown have gone up. There has never been a Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. Your thoughts?

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