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A breaking story for the Belmont Stakes is Casino Drive has been scratched from the Belmont Stakes. Casino Drives early betting odds showed him as a favorite to spoil Big Browns attempt to take the Triple Crown. According to reports Casino Drive has been scratched due to a hoof injury. Racing manager Nobutaka Tada for Casino Drive's Japanese owners said the horse was fine during a three-furlong jog early Saturday, but planned to scratch the Peter Pan Stakes winner as a precautionary measure. His trainer has classified the injury as minor but refused to take any chances during the long 1.5 mile Belmont Stakes . "It's not serious, it's just a matter of timing," stated Tada the trainer of Casino Drive. "The horse is OK." Casino Drive will not run in the Belmont Stakes because of an injured hoof, removing one more obstacle between Big Brown and the Triple Crown. Casino Drive was the early second choice behind the overwhelming favorite, who is attempting to become the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years. Racing manager Nobutaka Tada for Casino Drive's Japanese connections said the horse was fine during a three-furlong jog early Saturday, but planned to scratch the Peter Pan Stakes winner as a precaution. Tada classified the injury as minor, but didn't want to take any chances during the grueling 1 1/2-mile race. AS earlier reports stated Casino Drive was trained unlike the usual manner of today thoroughbreds. Could this have been the cause of the injury? According to the trainer Casino Drive may have a stone bruise, which is created by walking on hard ground. Casino Drive is trained using a technique favored by the Japanese and has been walked all over Belmont Park's horse paths. American trainers typically gallop or jog their horses on the track in the days leading to a race. Casino Drive will be shipped back to Japan on Tuesday, but may return later this year to run in the Breeders' Cup. "It's very sad," stated Tada "Many people support us. It's sad that we couldn't meet the expectations." Casino Drive developed hoof injury symptoms on Friday. He was treated and showed no ill effects while on the track early Saturday. Big Brown's trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. has not commented on the injury to Casino Drive. Dutrow had made light of the threat from Casino Drive all week, saying there was no horse in the field talented enough to bet Big Brown. Big Brown also had a hoof injury and had an acrylic patch put on his front left foot to repair the crack. Big Brown was resting inside Barn 2 on Saturday morning. Denis of Cork , the distant third to Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby, is now the next best chance at a Triple Crown disappointment. Belmont Odds at BetUS.com 
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