Brigadier General to Pass Belmont; Rich Strike Gallops

Brigadier General , who had been considered a possible starter for the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) June 11, will not race in the 1 1/2-mile classic, according to Terry Finley, president and founder of West Point Thoroughbreds, who own the colt.

Finley said the $225,000 Matt Winn Stakes (G3) June 12 at Churchill Downs or the $500,000 Ohio Derby (G3) June 25 at Thistledown are likely spots for Brigadier General's next start before eyeing action at Saratoga Race Course. The Street Sense   colt is currently based in Kentucky with trainer Dallas Stewart.

"Not by a longshot, but it's just a touch too much for him right now," he said of the 3-year-old, who finished fourth in a first-level allowance May 12 at Churchill after breaking his maiden at Keeneland in his seventh career outing.

His departure from the prospective Belmont lineup leaves a field of about 10 expected. Mo Donegal , Nest , and Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) Rich Strike  are three of the race headliners. 

The latter, who races for Rick Dawson's RED TR-Racing, galloped over a sloppy track at Belmont Park Friday, going at a faster pace than he did over the track June 2. 

"I do want to get him on a dry track for two or three days and watch how he moves and comes back from the gallops just to see if there's any difference in how he handles the surface," trainer Eric Reed said.