Belisarius a veterinarian's scratch from Secretariat Stakes

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Belisarius will be a veterinarian’s scratch from the Secretariat Stakes on Saturday at Arlington, according to Arlington racing officials. The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt reportedly coughed Friday morning.

Belisarius, a one-time winner from six starts who never has contested a group or graded stakes, was sold prior to shipping from O’Brien’s stables in Ireland early this week. The Montjeu colt now is owned by Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable, and Brous Stable and will resume his racing campaign in the U.S.

The Secretariat was drawn with nine entrants but now is down to seven. Can’thelpbelieving did not ship as planned from Maryland and also will be scratched.