By Bill Finley
The June 6 GI Belmont Stakes has lost two potential starters as the trainers of Potente (Into Mischief) and Chip Honcho (Connect) have declared their horses out of the race.
The news was first reported by the Daily Racing Form's David Grening.
Trainer Steve Asmussen told Grening he is not sure where Chip Honcho will run next. Trained by Bob Baffert, Potente will run next in the GIII Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs on June 7.
Potente, winner of the GII San Felipe earlier this season, was last seen finishing 12th in the Kentucky Derby.
Gun Runner Stakes victor Chip Honcho bypassed Derby and finished third behind Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map) in his latest start in the May 16 GI Preakness.
With the latest defections, it appears that there will be a field of eight or nine horses in the final leg of the Triple Crown.
Renegade (Into Mischief) will likely be favored but will have his hands full against GI Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo (Curlin) and Chief Wallabee (Constitution), who was fourth in the Derby. Ocelli (Connect), who was third in the Derby and fourth in the GI Preakness Stakes, remains a possible starter.
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