LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Wood Memorial jinx claimed another victim: Toby’s Corner was withdrawn from the Kentucky Derby.
The last three winners of the Wood, a major prep at Aqueduct, never made it to the Derby starting gate.
I Want Revenge was scratched on the morning of the 2009 Derby with an ankle injury. Eskendereya, last year’s Wood winner, developed a swollen leg the week before the race and was retired.
Toby’s Corner was scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs on Tuesday from trainer Graham Motion’s barn in Maryland. Motion canceled the trip because of a problem with the colt’s left hind leg. Motion sent him to an equine hospital.
With Toby’s Corner out, Lexington Stakes winner Derby Kitten moves into the field, which is limited to 20 starters. Entries will be taken today.
Gray skies ahead?
Tuesday temperatures were in the 40s but better weather is forecast for the next few days, giving the rain-soaked dirt track an opportunity to dry. Partly sunny skies with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s are predicted for today through Friday.
The long-range forecast turns ominous for Derby Day on Saturday, with a 50 percent chance of scattered thundershowers and temperatures in the low 70s.
The Associated Press
