Trainer Todd Pletcher reported Tuesday that the undefeated and untested Army Mule was going to get some time off and would miss an intended start in the Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park on June 9.

"I spoke to Mr. Viola earlier and we decided to give Army Mule a little time off," Pletcher said referring to owner Vinnie Viola. "He just hasn't regained the form he had going into the Carter.  He's going to [James] Crupi's farm in Ocala and he'll get a complete physical up there. The idea is that we want to have him back for late summer and the fall of the year and hopefully one of the Breeders' Cup type races.  We just haven't been able to get him back where we want him. We hate to miss the Met, but our primary thought is to do what's best for the horse." 

Army Mule, a 4-year-old son of Friesan Fire, has won his three career starts by a combined 22 1/4 lengths including the Grade 1 Carter by 6 1/4 lengths on April 7 for which he received a 114 Beyer Speed Figure. Army Mule has been in training at Palm Beach Downs but had not worked since the Carter.