Florida Derby (G1) winner QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality), who was removed
from Kentucky Derby (G1) consideration due to quarter-crack problems, has
resumed training. After being confined to walking the shedrow for several weeks,
the Jimmy Jerkens-trained colt had the quarter crack on his right front hoof
patched on Tuesday and galloped Thursday and Friday morning.
“He seemed glad to get out,” Jerkens said Friday morning. “He went to the
track yesterday and today he galloped in my father’s (Hall of Famer Allen
Jerkens) barn.”
After posting a good-looking maiden special weight victory in his career
debut at Aqueduct in late November, the Edward Evans’ homebred opened his
sophomore season with a runner-up finish in a January 10 allowance at Gulfstream
Park. He rebounded from his lone career setback with an impressive 4 1/4-length
score in the February 28 Fountain of Youth S. (G2) and turned back Belmont S.
(G1) contender Dunkirk (Unbridled’s Song) in the March 28 Florida Derby, recording a 1
3/4-length tally.
Quality Road had generally been regarded as one of the top two Kentucky Derby
favorites in the weeks leading up to the “Run for the Roses,” but the colt
developed a quarter crack on the inside of his right front hoof on April 23.
Although treated and covered with a supportive acrylic patch, the crack did not
respond quickly enough and Jerkens pulled him from consideration on the Saturday
before the Kentucky Derby.
Quality Road galloped the day after Derby, but the quarter-crack resurfaced
in the following days and he was given plenty of time to recover. Jerkens is in
no hurry to rush the promising three-year-old back to the races.
“As for his next start, I have no thoughts,” Jerkens said. “I couldn’t begin
to tell you.”