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Trainer Bob Baffert revealed to reporters on Sunday that Bodemeister, the runner-up in this year's Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, will not be racing in the Belmont Stakes on June 9.
As Baffert tells Jerry Bossert of the New York Daily News, the horse will not challenge I'll Have Another's quest for the Triple Crown in its third leg after failing to win either of the first two legs.
Bodemeister was initially the favorite entering this year's Kentucky Derby, but I'll Have Another has captured the crowns in the first two legs of the Triple Crown while leaving him second both times.
Instead of trying to challenge I'll Have Another's run towards the first Triple Crown since 1978, Bodemeister will rest up and prepare for races later in the summer.
According to Baffert, the plan is for Bodemeister to return to the races on July 29 for the Haskell Invitation at Monmouth Park.
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