Ankle problems sideline Setsuko

Setsuko has been sidelined with ankle issues (EquiSport Photos)

Inflamed ankles has put Grade 1 runner-up SETSUKO (Pleasantly Perfect) on the
shelf for the next few months and spoiled plans for the bay colt to run in the
third jewel of the Triple Crown, the Belmont S. (G1), on June 5.

“The Triple Crown is catching up with him,” trainer Richard Mandella told
Daily Racing Form.

Setsuko entered his three-year-old campaign with just a maiden win to his
credit, but jumped into Kentucky Derby (G1) consideration following runner-up
efforts in the Sham S. (G3) and Santa Anita Derby (G1). Unfortunately, the
Wertheimer & Frere homebred didn’t have enough graded earnings to make the
Kentucky Derby field. Instead, Mandella switched surfaces with his charge and
sent him off to run fourth in the American Turf S. (G2) on Kentucky Oaks Day.

Setsuko returned to Mandella’s Santa Anita base to begin preparations for the
Belmont, but his subsequent workouts did not impress. The colt worked
three-quarters on May 11 in 1:18 3/5 and on Sunday was clocked going seven
furlongs in 1:29.