Godolphin Stables’ Rebel’s Romance, who won Dubai’s Grade 2 UAE Derby in March and was expected to be a top contender in Saturday’s Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes, will miss the race due to a hind leg infection.
“Unfortunately Rebel’s Romance will not be declared for Saturday’s G1 Belmont Stakes due to an infection in his hind leg,” Godolphin posted Tuesday in a statement on Twitter.
“We hope this is only a minor setback and we look forward to seeing him back on the racecourse in the near future.”
The gelding, a son of the Irish sire Dubawi, has been in training at Belmont Park for trainer Charlie Appleby.
Rebel’s Romance has won four of his five starts.
Godolphin’s Essential Quality was made the 2-1, morning-line favorite for the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes.
–Field Level Media