Lexington Stakes Winner First Mission Out of Preakness

A left hind issue will prevent Lexington Stakes (G3) winner First Mission  from running in the Preakness Stakes (G1) May 20 at Pimlico Race Course.

 WATCH: Analysis: How First Mission's Scratch Impacts Preakness

Godolphin will scratch First Mission from this year's Preakness after consulting with the 1/ST veterinary team. He will receive further evaluation in Kentucky at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital with veterinarian Dr. Larry Bramlage.

1/ST operates Maryland Jockey Club tracks Laurel Park and Pimlico.

According to a Godolphin release, trainer Brad Cox worked with the 1/ST veterinary team the past couple of days to try and fully identify a left hind issue but was unable to do so on the grounds at Pimlico.

"We are obviously very disappointed, but the welfare of the horse is our utmost concern, and we are going to take the necessary steps to determine the best course of action to get him back on the track," said Godolphin director of bloodstock Michael Banahan.

Cox said in a text the scratch was an "easy decision."

"It was unfortunate for the horse and the Godolphin team, but the horse's health comes first and foremost. It was an easy decision to scratch the horse. He will ship back to Kentucky today for a full evaluation and I look forward to him returning to showcase his talent in the future," he said.

First Mission had drawn the outside post in the field of eight, which is currently reduced to seven. The son of Street Sense   was listed as the 5-2 second choice on the morning line behind Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage , the favorite.

Aside from removing a major player from the second jewel in the Triple Crown, it impacted the pace scenario in a race where speedsters are few and far between. First Mission was no worse than third at any point in his last two races and was expected to be in that position Saturday.

Without him, the early leaders in the small field of seven figure to be Coffeewithchris  and National Treasure .

Coffeewithchris was originally priced at 20-1 in the morning line and set the pace while finishing fifth in the Federico Tesio Stakes.

National Treasure (4-1 originally, 3-1 in the revised line), who has the rail, now looms as his lone competition up front in a race filled with closers.

"Potentially we have to be a little closer, but (jockey John Velazquez) still has to play the break and work out his own trip from there. You're always sorry to hear about a prime horse being scratched on top of a big race like this, especially from an organization that has spent so much money in the sport," said SF Racing's Tom Ryan, managing partner for National Treasure's ownership group.

Gustavo Delgado Jr., assistant trainer of Mage, said the loss of First Mission does little to change the task facing the Kentucky Derby winner. Mage rallied from 16th in the Run for the Roses and was 12th early before finishing second in the Florida Derby (G1), but in his first start the son of Good Magic   led much of the way while breaking his maiden in a seven-furlong sprint.

"It's never easy. It's a shame. But it doesn't change anything. We have to beat the rest of them," he said. "That horse and our horse had the same style. We have to run our race."

The revised morning line saw Mage's price plummet to 4-5.

After that National Treasure is 3-1, followed by Blazing Sevens  at 5-1, Red Route One  8-1, Performer  12-1, Coffeewithchris 20-1, and Chase the Chaos  30-1.

Advance wagering on the race is currently underway.

Bob Ehalt contributed to this story