By ED FOUNTAINE
June 7, 2008
Casino Drive has a hitch in his giddyap that could keep him from racing in today's Belmont Stakes.
The unbeaten Japanese invader, the 9-2 second choice, did not go to the track yesterday after suffering what Nobutaka Tada, racing manager for the colt's owner, Hidetoshi Yamamoto, called a "possible stone bruise" of his left hind hoof.
"When he came out of his stall at 5 a.m., we were not 100 percent happy with the way he walked," Tada said yesterday morning. "He is not lame, but we could see there is an issue. Because the race is [today], we're concerned. We are monitoring him at the moment."
Tada said there was some heat in the foot, which is being tubbed in ice. Updating the colt's condition last evening, Tada said, "If he stays like he is now, there is nothing to stop him from running. We have not scratched him."
Casino Drive, a half-brother to the last two Belmont winners, will be examined again this morning, when a final decision will be made.
