Forbidden Kingdom, who was the co-No. 3 choice of bettors in the Kentucky Derby Future Wager and entered last Saturday's Santa Anita Derby as the even-money favorite, is off the Derby trail, according to trainer Richard Mandella.

Mandella, the 68-year-old son of a blacksmith who has worked his way into the most prestigious winner’s circles in the sport, even into its Hall of Fame itself, struggled with losing an opportunity at the signature race that has eluded him.

A Bob Baffert thoroughbred storm that will produce flooding of the winner’s circle and strong winds whipping up a 1-2-3 Baffert finish.

For more than a week, Richard Mandella was an insightful and humorous interview subject at Churchill Downs Barn 28, unless the questions turned to one topic:

The news came three days before the race and only one day after Omaha Beach drew the No. 12 post position and was named the 4-to-1 morning line favorite in the 20-horse field.