Preakness 2012: Runner-Up Bodemeister To Skip Belmont Stakes

On June 9, two things will be certain in the American sports world: 1) I'll Have Another will try to become the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978; and 2) Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes runner-up Bodemeister will not be in the field.

That news was confirmed Saturday, by the horses' trainer Bob Baffert who said that was the plan all along:

Baffert indicated that Bodemeister will rest up and point for a return to the races in the July 29 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, a race the trainer has won five times, including the last two years with Lookin at Lucky and Coil.

The Belmont was never in the plans for Bodemeister after the horse played catch-up throughout the year, although Baffert did not disclose as much until Saturday.