Wed Sep 5 22:40:07 2007

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Rags to Riches a no go in Ruffian

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Belmont, NY (Sports Network) - Belmont Stakes winner Rags to Riches will not race in the Ruffian Stakes at Belmont Park on Saturday, September 8. Trainer Todd Pletcher has decided that the three-year-old filly will instead start the following week in the Gazelle Stakes.

Rags to Riches, one of only three females to win the Belmont Stakes, has had health issues since capturing the third leg of racing's Triple Crown. Twice this summer she has come down with a fever and missed scheduled workouts.

Owned by Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, Rags to Riches has won all five starts this year for more than $1.29 million. In addition to the Belmont Stakes she won the Santa Anita Oaks and Kentucky Oaks.

Rags to Riches is being pointed toward the Breeders' Cup Distaff at Monmouth Park on Saturday, October 27. There has been talk that she might run in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic versus males.