QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality), who was expected to be one of the favorites
for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby (G1), will miss the race because of continued
problems with a quarter-crack on his right front hoof, trainer Jimmy Jerkens
said Monday morning at Belmont Park.
Jerkens had hoped to put a final workout into the colt Monday over Belmont
Park’s training track, but the quarter-crack did not respond well enough to
treatment to go ahead with the breeze, which had already been postponed.
“It’s not terribly bad but it’s not right,” said Jerkens, who trains Quality
Road for owner/breeder Edward P. Evans. “He’s really sensitive on the quarter.”
Quality Road, who overcame a different quarter-crack on his right hind foot
suffered during his track-record victory in the Florida Derby (G1) on March 28,
developed this injury late last week. An acrylic patch was applied by noted hoof
specialist Ian McKinlay on Sunday morning, but the colt subsequently returned
from a gallop with a tinge of blood.
Although treated with a drying agent and an antiseptic for 24 hours
thereafter, the hoof was still sensitive Monday morning, and plans to travel to
Churchill Downs were scrapped.
“It’s unfortunate,” said Evans, who was at Belmont Park. “The (May 16)
Preakness (G1) and the (June 6) Belmont (S. [G1]) are possibilities.”
McKinlay, whose client list includes last year’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness
winner Big Brown and 1997 Belmont S. winner Touch Gold, said he anticipates a
quick recovery, although not in time for the Derby.
“If this thing calms right down he’ll be back on track,” McKinlay said.