Audible out of Belmont Stakes 2018; Pletcher may run two

Trainer Todd Pletcher said Friday morning that Audible, who would have sized up as the likely second choice to Triple Crown hopeful Justify in the 2018 Belmont Stakes, will not run in the June 9 race.

Audible was scheduled to breeze at Belmont Park, but instead just galloped on the main track. Rather, Pletcher said, the third-place Kentucky Derby finisher will freshen up for other 3-year-old staple races this summer such as the Jim Dandy or Haskell Invitational.

"After talking to Elliot [Walden, CEO of WinStar Farm], we have decided to freshen Audible up for a summer campaign," said Pletcher. "I don’t feel like he’s as well as he was leading up to the Derby. I just don't feel like he's where he needs to be to feel like he's going to win the Belmont."

Just Thursday, Walden said Audible would be "big competition" for Justify, adding that "I think it's Justify's race to lose."

Audible, who prepped this spring with victories in Gulfstream Park's Holy Bull (G2) and Florida Derby (G1), has not worked since the Derby.

Pletcher on Friday also sent Vino Rosso and Noble Indy to the track together. After their workouts, the trainer said, "Vino Rosso and Noble Indy both breezed exceptionally well. It was a little bit quicker [47.04] than we wanted, but they both seemed to do it well in hand. They both galloped out strongly. After talking to everybody, I think both of them are in the mix for the Belmont.”

Currently, the prospective Belmont Stakes field includes eight probable runners.

WinStar Farm also has a stake in Noble Indy, the Louisiana Derby winner. Both he and Vino Rosso would run the Belmont in the silks of owner Mike Repole. Justify is poised to don China Horse Club colors.