Mutasaabeq to Miss Spring Races With Shin Injury
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Mutasaabeq trains in 2020 at Keeneland
A shin injury will sideline graded stakes winner Mutasaabeq this winter and spring, taking him out of consideration for the May 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), trainer Todd Pletcher said Jan. 28.
"It's unfortunate timing. Thankfully he won't be out too long; hopefully we'll see him back at Belmont or Saratoga," Pletcher said via telephone. "At this time of year, you can't afford to miss any time if you are going to make the Derby. We'll unfortunately miss that, but he'll be fine, and hopefully back for a good summer campaign."
The news of his shin injury was first reported on Twitter by Daily Racing Form.
The Shadwell Stable-owned 3-year-old son of Into Mischief had been considered a bright Derby prospect in South Florida after winning the Jan. 2 Mucho Macho Man Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Last year, he prevailed in a maiden race at Saratoga Race Course and the Bourbon Stakes (G2T) at Keeneland among four races at 2.
Mutasaabeq had been training at Palm Beach Downs for Pletcher, working a half-mile in :47.37 Jan. 23. Prior to his setback, he had been pointed for the Jan. 30 Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream, where Pletcher is still represented by Prime Factor and Amount for different owners.
The colt was listed at 47-1 odds in the second pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager that closed Jan. 24.