Stradivari Recuperating After Surgery

Stradivari, who sustained a career-ending lateral condylar fracture of his right front leg during training hours at Saratoga Race Course July 22, is recuperating at nearby Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital after undergoing surgery July 26, trainer Todd Pletcher said.

"He recovered from the surgery very well and had a good night, and is comfortable today," Pletcher said. "So far everything looks encouraging. The first step was successful surgery, but there is usually a time of concern for a while in those situations—complications can develop—but the process went as smoothly as possible, and the initial signs are encouraging.

"Obviously you want to give him plenty of time to recuperate. I'm sure they'll travel back to (co-owner John Gunther's) farm in Kentucky when the time is right. He was bearing weight on both front feet today, which was an encouraging sign."

Stadivari, a 3-year-old colt by Medaglia d'Oro out of the American Chance mare Bending Strings, also is owned by the Coolmore connections of Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Susan Magnier. He was bred by Gunther in Kentucky.

Stradivari won his second and third starts by a combined 25 3/4 lengths before a fourth-place finish in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I). In his final start he finished fifth in the June 11 Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets (gr. I).