Gemologist out with a bruised foot – will miss the Belmont Stakes
Veteran trainer Todd Pletcher was represented by 3-year-old Tiznow colt, Gemologist, in the Grade 1, $2 million Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on 5 May, and he is happy to know that Gemologist had an excuse for finishing 16th after being sent
as the 8 to 1 third choice.
The excuse was that Gemologist came up lame in his left foot, and diagnosis was that the colt has a bruised foot, but the good news is that he will not be out of actions for an extended period of time, though he will miss the Grade 1, $1 million Belmont
Stakes on 9 June, 2012.
After the race he was fine,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “We sent him to WinStar as planned to give him a week off and then prepare for the Belmont (gr. I). But then he came up lame in his left front and diagnostics revealed a foot bruise. He’s making good
progress and is 50% better today than he was yesterday."
The WinStar Farm owned Gemologist was a perfect 5 in as many starts going into the Derby, and that is enough statistical help needed to place a horse as third choice in the Kentucky Derby.
It is understandable why he never got in to any sort of contention running for the big one, which makes Todd Pletcher a little relieved that the colt will be back the way he was before the Derby.
Bred in Kentucky by G. Watts Humphrey Jr. and Louise Ireland Humphrey Revocable Trust, Gemologist started off in last September with a maiden win at first asking.
After winning the six furlong sprint at Turfway Park, Gemologist was at Churchill Downs for an allowance/optional claimer at about 1 1/16 miles that he won with ease, and right after his completed his hat-trick staying at Churchill Downs by winning the Grade
2 Kentucky Jockey Club.
Cut back to a mile at Gulfstream Park for the first time in 2012, Gemologist didn’t even mind that, as he added another victory to his account to go 4 wins in as many starts.
However, what really got Pletcher dreaming was the way he downed the Grade 1 Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct ahead of the Derby, but it’s a disappointment which trainer’s usually share very often.
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