Report: Seahenge defects from Belmont 2018; 10 to enter

Aidan O'Brien-trained Seahenge, who was due to arrive for the 2018 Belmont Stakes on Tuesday, is no longer under consideration for the race, the Daily Racing Form reported.

DRF spoke to New York Racing Association Stakes Coordinator Andrew Byrnes, who said he received an email informing him of the decision Monday morning.

The defection leaves a probable field of 10 after Calumet Farm's Bandua, another other European-based horse, also bypassed the race. Of course, the group is led by Triple Crown hopeful Justify, who's looking to become just the 13th horse to sweep the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont.

Seahenge missed the board in both his starts on dirt, finishing fifth in the UAE Derby (G2) and seventh in a sloppy running of the Pat Day Mile (G3) on the Derby undercard.

For those that remain in the field, post positions will be drawn just past 5:30 p.m. ET Tuesday for the Belmont, which has a 6:46 p.m. post time Saturday.