Gitano Hernando to miss Belmont

GITANO HERNANDO (Hernando [Fr]), who was purchased by Team Valor

International as a possible contender in the June 6 Belmont S. (G1), will not

make the race, according to Barry Irwin of Team Valor.

The colt lost the May 8 Dee S. (Eng-G3) at Chester by a head to longshot

South Easter (Galileo [Ire]). He was on the same plan as My Memoirs (GB), who

ran second to eventual Horse of the Year A.P. Indy in the 1992 Belmont S.

"He came up lame a few days after his race and will need to walk for about

three weeks, which eliminates him from the (Belmont)," Irwin said. "We plan to

point him for grass racing this summer on the East Coast. There are no

definitive plans yet.

"It's very frustrating. He was jostled around quite a bit in the race and

probably took a bad step. The winner about put him over the rail about 100 yards

into the race, which is why there was an inquiry that lasted nearly 20 minutes."

The loss of Gitano Hernando presently leaves a possible field of 10 for the 1

1/2-mile Belmont, including Kentucky Derby winner MINE THAT BIRD (Birdstone).

RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d'Oro), whose courage on Saturday produced a

one-length victory over Mine That Bird in the Preakness S. (G1), is under

consideration but is presently not a confirmed starter.

Others under consideration for the Belmont, according to the New York Racing

Association, are CHARITABLE MAN (Lemon Drop Kid); CHOCOLATE CANDY (Candy Ride

[Arg]); DUNKIRK (Unbridled's Song); FLYING PRIVATE (Fusaichi Pegasus); LUV GOV

(Ten Most Wanted); MINER'S ESCAPE (Mineshaft); MR. HOT STUFF (Tiznow); and

SUMMER BIRD (Birdstone).