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Big Brown's Main Rival Scratched

Casino Drive sidelined by injured hoof, will return to Japan

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 7, 2008 11:23 AM CDT

(Newser) – Big Brown moved one hoof closer to becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years today, after his strongest opponent in the Belmont Stakes dropped out because of an injury. Casino Drive, who developed symptoms yesterday, may have a stone bruise on his hoof and will return to Japan next week, the AP reports.

“It's not serious, it's just a matter of timing,” said Casino Drive’s racing manager, Nobuktaka Tada. “The horse is OK.” Tada said he didn’t want to risk any further injury during the 1½-mile-race, adding that he was unsure if his colt’s absence would improve Big Brown’s chances: “I don't know, (but) I'd like to see him win.”

Casino Drive will not run in the Belmont Stakes because of an injured hoof.
Casino Drive will not run in the Belmont Stakes because of an injured hoof.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Casino Drive will be shipped back to Japan on Tuesday, but could return later this year to run in the Breeders' Cup.
Casino Drive will be shipped back to Japan on Tuesday, but could return later this year to run in the Breeders' Cup.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Big Brown has a better chance of winning the Triple Crown now that Casino Drive, the second-favorite in the Belmont Stakes, has dropped out of the race.
Big Brown has a better chance of winning the Triple Crown now that Casino Drive, the second-favorite in the Belmont Stakes, has dropped out of the race.   (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
Big Brown's trainer Rick Dutrow rubs the horse's nose at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Big Brown's trainer Rick Dutrow rubs the horse's nose at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.   (AP Photo/Ed Reinke, File)
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