Charlatan Off Derby Trail With Ankle Issue

Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Charlatan, the focus of a potential medication violation, is headed to the sideline and will miss the Sept. 5 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) because of a minor ankle issue.

Trainer Bob Baffert confirmed the news June 6 and said the undefeated son of Speightstown  should get around 45 days off. 

"He had a little filling in the front of his ankle; we X-rayed it and really couldn't see a lot," Baffert said. "We did an MRI and then we could see some tiny little (specks). He just agitated it. He's got tiny little specks. We're going to go in there and just flush it out. It's very minor, but it's agitating the front of it. It's the first time he's had heat and a little pressure in the ankle, so we're going to flush it out and give him 45 days off and get him going (again)."

Baffert called the Oct. 3 Preakness Stakes (G1) an outside possibility for the colt but said he should be ready to race again in late fall.

"He won't make the Kentucky Derby," he said. "Preakness (is a) longshot, but he should be ready by Breeders' Cup."

Charlatan is owned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Fred Hertrich III, John Fielding, and Golconda Stables. He picked up his first stakes score in the May 2 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park off a March 14 allowance optional claiming win at Santa Anita Park, where he broke his maiden Feb. 16 at first asking.

A split sample is being reviewed because the colt did not pass an initial post-race test after the first of two Arkansas Derby divisions. Horsemen have the right to call for split sample testing to see whether it confirms the initial sample test. Stewards and regulators make no decisions before receiving the results of the split sample testing.

A split sample is typically requested when a horse tests positive for a prohibited substance, usually on findings that could result in a disqualification and/or loss of purse, or cause a suspension or fine for a trainer. The split sample provides the affected party due process and a means to potentially dispute findings if it is inconsistent with the initial lab findings. 

Baffert said he has not heard an update on the split sample results. "When I do, you'll hear about it," he said. "I don't know what the timeline is."

Shortly after the Arkansas Derby, Hill 'n' Dale Farms secured the breeding rights to Charlatan.