Off the Derby Trail

As the Derby preps have progressed, we've seen a lot of horses flash potential, and most have fallen by the wayside as we move closer and closer to the big day. I thought now would be a good time to recap some of the horses who showed their brilliance early, but for various reasons, are no longer contenders. They are:

Stardom Bound: Despite early rumors of a run against the boys in the Derby, it now appears that her third place finish in the Ashland has scared her IEAH owners enough that they will run her in the Kentucky Oaks instead. Don't think for a second, though, that we have seen the end of this breathtaking champion filly. She's the real deal, and will likely prove it on the first Friday in May.

Midshipman: the 2008 Eclipse award winning juvenile suffered a soft-tissue injury to his left front leg while training in Dubai in March. He will not compete in any of the triple crown races.

The Pamplemousse: Has been off the trail since scratching the morning of the Santa Anita Derby due to tendon issues, which co-owner Alex Solis II described as "a small lesion." Expect to see him back later this summer.

Mafaaz (GB): This colt was the first winner of the "win and you're in" format for the Derby, qualifying via his victory in the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes at Kempton Park in Great Britain. However, after shipping to the U.S. and running a disappointing eight (to likely Kentucky Derby starter General Quarters) in the Toyota Blue Grass at Keeneland, his owners decided to change trainers, handing him over to the always capable Kiaran McLaughlin, who immediately ruled him out of the Kentucky Derby.

Old Fashioned: This early Derby favorite was retired after finding a slab fracture in his right knee following his 2nd place finish in the Grade II Arkansas Derby. He will now stand at stud, although to my knowledge, where he will stand is still being determined.

Vineyard Haven: After a disappointing fourth in the U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas, Godolphin decided to pull this colt from Derby consideration. Don't feel too bad for them though, as they still own likely starters Desert Party and Regal Ransom.

Beethoven: This colt missed his start in the Florida Derby after trainer John Ward found heat in a tendon on his left front leg several days prior. At that point, Ward said he doubted the colt would be back in time to make a Derby start, and it still appears that way.