Alpha Will Not Run in Belmont

CLEVELAND - A possible Triple Crown spoiler, Alpha, was removed from next week's Belmont lineup due to a temperature of 103 that spiked in the horse this past Tuesday evening. 

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said the colt was fine by 11pm after treatment was induced, and feels that something like this happening so close to race time is unfortunate.  They will do what is best for the horse.

I feel that Alpha would have presented a legitimate shot at surviving the grueling Belmont stretch and possibly upsetting I'll Have Another's bid for the Triple Crown. 

Alpha, who is owned by Godolphin Racing, finished 12th in the Kentucky Derby after experiencing some problems breaking from the gates.  Earlier this year he won the Grade 3 Withers, Aqueduct's Count Fleet, and finished 2nd in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial.