Curule will be the lone Godolphin standard-bearer in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday after Chief Seattle was ruled out by connections yesterday. Chief Seattle, the Breeders' Cup Juvenile second, breezed seven furlongs in one minute 27.2 seconds under Jerry Bailey at Belmont Park yesterday.

However, the colt wasn't felt to be ready enough for the third and final leg of the American Triple Crown.

Bailey said: "His final furlong wasn't any better this time than it was last time (workout). It was still a good workout but the finish wasn't any better. It's still a tall order going a mile and a half first time out this season."

Bailey will be on board Godolphin's Kentucky Derby seventh Curule. The jockey said: "I feel liked I picked up a very good mount. I was impressed by his keenness. He was very eager and my arms are still burning."