Danza out of Belmont Stakes

Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Danza was sent off the 8-1 third

choice in the Kentucky Derby following his 4 3/4-length score in the Arkansas

Derby. He experienced a troubled trip finishing third, being knocked sideways

during the early stages of the race before encountering an extremely bumpy

stretch run.

"It's disappointing to be knocked out of any race, let alone a class, but the

horse must always come first," Eclipse Thoroughbred President Aaron Wellman

said. "As soon as Todd (Pletcher) expressed any concern over Danza's condition,

it was a no-brainer to take a step back and regroup.

"We'll conduct due diligence and leave no stone unturned to ensure Danza

returns to 100 percent."

A $105,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase, Danza captured his career

debut at Belmont Park and finished third when making his stakes debut in the

Grade 2 Saratoga Special. He's earned $866,428 from a 5-2-0-3 career record.

"We were certainly looking forward to the opportunity to take on a stellar

cast of sophomores in the Belmont Stakes, but we're confident that by continuing

to do right by Danza, he will continue to reward our partners with world-class

performances on the racetrack," Wellman added.

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