Behindthebar?

Question

What was wrong with him that he declined the preakness?

Answer 1

He probably just needed a rest. It's not uncommon to see a Derby runner skip the Preakness and run in the Belmont.

Ooops, Behindthebar isn't running in the Belmont.

Answer 2

He bruised his foot and that's why he skipped the Preakness.  He might not have been ready for the Belmont.

However, the reason I think that they declined on the Belmont is because this horse is much better at the synthetics.  He is now aimed for the Swaps at Hollywood Park.

I don't think anything is wrong with him.  Before the Derby, Tood Pletcher said that he thought the horse belonged on the synthetics and that's where he's aiming him now.