Trainer Charles Lopresti scratched Successful Dan from the Grade 1 Whitney Handicap
The Charles Lopresti trained, Successful Dan, will not be able to compete in the Grade 1, $750,000 Whitney Invitational Handicap at Saratoga, because he sustained an injury to his left front pastern.
The six-year-old was training well but, the trainer knew something was wrong. He just hopes that the injury will not end his career. The runner has been scratched from the grand-event, because his well-being comes first.
Lopresti stated to the press that:
"He's not lame or anything; he's been on the track every day. Even if it's just a strain, we don't want to take a chance like that. It's sad; it's unfortunate. He's been plagued with nagging injuries all his life, and we haven't seen the best of him."
The son of Successful Appeal, out of mare Lisa Danielle, was taken to Dr. Larry Bramlage at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for a diagnosis, and there were tests conducted.
The ultrasound came clear, but more tests will be conducted to determine his condition.
The trainer told the media that Dr. Bramlage knows the horse well and he was sent to him. He stated:
“He knows that horse inside out and upside down. He's got all the records. He knows everything about that horse. If there's any chance to bring him back, he'll tell me.”
It is said that, the horse has no tear in his ligament but the injury is in the same area which he injured as a three-year-old.
The Morton Fink owned horse showed no signs of distress in his work-outs and jogging but, he will still not compete as the trainer said to win a race this grand, the runner had to be 100 percent.
The trainer admitted that this was a very sad day for him and the runner.
The Kentucky bred Successful Dan, has an overall record of 7-2-1 in his 11 starts and career earnings worth $656,608.
He has been training well, as he had a five-furlong work-out on 21st July, 2012, at Saratoga which he efficiently completed in 1 minute and 03.46 seconds.
The older division runner competed in the Grade 3 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap at Prairie Meadows on 30th June, 2012, where he finished as a runner-up.
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