Great Hunter scratches from Belmont Stakes

Grade 1 winner GREAT HUNTER (Aptitude) has been withdrawn from consideration for the June 9 Belmont S. (G1) after a chip was discovered in his right-front ankle after five furlongs over Hollywood Park's Cushion Track on Thursday.

"He didn't cool out super well on Thursday, but we didn't think much of it at the time," O'Neill explained. "The next day, when the poultice was washed off his leg, we noticed some filling." X-rays uncovered the chip, which will be removed by surgery either Saturday or Sunday. O'Neill is estimating that Great Hunter will be out for 90 days.

"He's a strong, solid horse, so we'll be in good shape when he comes back."

Great Hunter, bred in Pennsylvania by Ivy Dell Stud, has scored victories in the Lane’s End Breeders’ Futurity (gr. I) and Robert B, Lewis Memorial (gr. II), while placing in the Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I), Del Mar Futurity and Best Pal (both gr. II), and Hollywood Juvenile Championship (gr. III).

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