Cupid has breathing problem, won’t run in Kentucky Derby

Associated PressApr 21, 2016, 4:04 PM EDT

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Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert says Cupid has a breathing problem and won’t run in the Kentucky Derby.

Baffert’s decision Monday comes two days after Cupid finished 10th in the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. Cupid won the Rebel Stakes and was the favorite in Saturday’s race won by Creator.

Cupid came out of the race with an entrapped epiglottis, and Baffert says the gray colt was having surgery Monday to clear the breathing passageway at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky.

The issue is not considered serious. Baffert said Cupid “should be OK in a week” and would be under consideration for the Preakness on May 21.

Baffert’s American Pharoah became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years in 2015. The trainer still has Mor Spirit set to run in the Derby on May 7.

With Cupid out, Mo Tom moves into Derby contention at No. 20 on the qualifying points leaderboard. The Derby field is limited to 20 starters.

Arabian Knight off Kentucky Derby trail; will return later

Associated PressMar 13, 2023, 12:09 PM EDT

Matt Stone/Courier Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Arabian Knight is off the Kentucky Derby trail.

Wagering has been suspended on the 3-year-old colt for the Derby’s future wager after owner Amr Zedan announced the decision. Arabian Knight was the second choice on the morning line behind favorite Forte for the May 6 race.

“Trainer Tim Yakteen wasn’t happy with his last work & we feel it’s in Arabian Knight’s best interest not to rush & allow him more time to develop,” Zedan tweeted. “We know he’s a superior talent & our plan is to point him toward a summer and fall campaign.”

Purchased for $2.3 million as a 2-year-old, Arabian Knight won his debut by 7 1/4 lengths at Keeneland last November. He made his 3-year-old debut in the Southwest at Oaklawn in January and won by 5 1/2 lengths.

Arabian Knight had his third workout at Santa Anita.

Tapit Trice wins Tampa Bay Derby, earns Kentucky Derby points

Associated PressMar 12, 2023, 11:28 AM EDT

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TAMPA, Fla. — Tapit Trice rallied from last to win the $360,000 Tampa Bay Derby by two lengths and earn qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby.

Ridden by Luis Saez, Tapit Trice ran 1 1/16 miles 1:43.37. The 1-2 favorite in the field of 12 paid $3 to win. The 3-year-old colt earned 50 qualifying points, which places him in the 20-horse field for the Kentucky Derby on May 6.

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher extended his record for most wins in the Grade 3 race to six. He already has the early Kentucky Derby favorite in Forte, who won the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream last weekend.

Classic Car Wash was second and Classic Legacy was another 1 1/4 lengths back in third.

Tapit Trice was making his stakes debut after winning two of three starts.

“Once he got clear down the lane, he really extended himself,” Pletcher said. ”I loved the way he finished up. He relished the two turns, and the longer he goes, the better he’ll get.”