HORSE RACING Kent Desormeaux enters rehab, set to race Belmont

Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux, who won more races than any other jockey in the U.S. from 1987 to 1989 while competing in the Maryland circuit, has entered an alcohol rehabilitation program in Utah but plans to return to ride Preakness winner Exaggerator in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday. The rider with a history of alcohol-related problems said in a statement by agent J.R. Pegram that “it was time to take a sober look at my life and take this step.” According to Pegram, Desormeaux, who rides Exaggerator for his elder brother, trainer Keith Desormeaux, is scheduled to be back riding in New York on Thursday. Last year, Desormeaux was fined $2,500 by track stewards for being under the influence of alcohol during a race program at Del Mar, Calif. He failed Breathalyzer tests at tracks in 2010 and 2012. PIMLICO RACE COURSE: Previously undefeated Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist spent his last morning on the main track taking a 2mile jog. It was the third straight day of training for the 3-year-old male, who is scheduled to return to trainer Doug O’Neill’s base at Santa Anita Park in California this morning. … Heider Family Stables LLC homebred Coco as in Chanel ran 5 furlongs in 57.15 seconds over a firm turf course for a front-running 16-1 upset in the $100,000 Stormy Blues Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. … Jockey Alex Cintron had wins in the fifth race with Southern Equity and the sixth with Class and Cash. After escaping injury when dumped in the first race, jockey Fergal Lynch won aboard Mountain Hero in the fourth and Airlie’s Diamond in the ninth. BELMONT STAKES: Exaggerator completed a two-minute lick on the main track at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. The Preakness winner is expected to walk today, gallop Monday and conduct a final breeze Tuesday before Saturday’s race. … Trainer Todd Pletcher reported that his two contenders, Destin and Stradivari, each jogged a mile on the training track and stood at the starting gate. … Dale Romans’ contenders Cherry Wine and Brody’s Cause wrapped up their major preparations in separate workouts. Preakness runner-up Cherry Wine breezed 5 furlongs in 1:00.12, and Grade 1 Blue Grass winner Brody’s Cause, who finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby, covered 3 furlongs in 37.11.