My Boy Jack to bypass Belmont Stakes 2018, run on turf

My Boy Jack, a strong Kentucky Derby closer who loomed as a potential 2018 Belmont Stakes threat to Justify’s Triple Crown run, will bypass the June 9 race, co-owner Don’t Tell My Wife Stable announced Wednesday.

My Boy Jack also shares a connection — co-owner Sol Kumin — with Justify.

According to Don’t Tell My Wife Stables’ tweet, My Boy Jack, who has also won on turf, will be prepared for a try at the Grade 1 Belmont Derby in July. He could then get back on the main track for races such as the Haskell (G1) or Travers (G1).

The Wynn Las Vegas' latest Belmont Stakes odds listed My Boy Jack as an 8-1 co-third choice.

Keith Desormeaux trains My Boy Jack, a Creative Cause colt, for Don’t Tell My Wife, Monomoy Stables and West Point Thoroughbreds. Hall of Famer Kent Desormeaux holds the mount.

Audible, who was third in the Kentucky Derby, shares a similar predicament, as he’s owned in part by WinStar Farm along with Justify. A decision is pending for his potential Belmont Stakes run as well.

For now, other race probables include Preakness Stakes runner-up Bravazo and third-place Tenfold, along with Derby runners Hofburg and Free Drop Billy. Blended Citizen will try the third leg of the Triple Crown series coming out of a local prep, the Peter Pan (G3).