Favourite ruled out of Kentucky Derby

ESKENDEREYA has been ruled out of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs after suffering a setback.

Todd Pletcher’s colt had been the ante-post favourite for the famous ‘Run For The Roses’ after a comeback victory at Gulfstream Park in February and success in the Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct earlier this month.

“He’s got some filling,” said the trainer. “We’re not sure of the extent of what we’re dealing with. But he’s not going to run.”