NEW YORK -- Best Minister will skip the Belmont Stakes because of a suspected virus, creating a six-horse field for the final leg of the Triple Crown.

Funny Cide is trying to become the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years.

Best Minister was not entered in Wednesday's draw. He would have been a supplemental entry, costing his owners, Phillips Racing Partnership, $100,000.

The colt has made six starts, with his two wins coming in his most recent races. Best Minister is coming off a three-length victory in the Sir Barton Stakes at Pimlico on May 17, the same day Funny Cide romped to a 9 3/4 -length victory in the Preakness.

Trainer Ken McPeek, who won last year's Belmont with 70-1 shot Sarava, said he decided not to enter Best Minister after the colt ate only about a third of his dinner.

"He's been a little bit shaky the last three or four days,'' McPeek said. "I'm a big believer that if they eat good, they run good. He's either gotten a virus or is working through it.''

McPeek said the colt also has been coughing.

"You don't put $100,000 up for something like that,'' he said.