Brad Cox-trained Tappan Street out of the Derby after workout injury, McPeek’s Render Judgment into field

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — WinStar Farm’s Tappan Street, trained by Brad Cox and scheduled to be ridden by Luis Saez in the Kentucky Derby, suffered a condylar fracture in his right foreleg during a workout Saturday and Churchill Downs and is out of the race.

“He has a little crack,” Cox said. “It does require surgery and obviously he is out of the Derby. . . .We’re just focused on getting him moved.I really don’t think it’s a big issue. Any time you put a horse under anesthesia for surgery it’s always something but I feel pretty confident that he is going to be fine.”

Tappan Street had won twice in three career starts, including the Grade 1 Florida Derby, which put him into the Kentucky Derby field. It was his only race as a 3-year-old.

Tappan Street and his stablemate, Flying Gambit, went to the track at Churchill after the 9 a.m. break Saturday morning, after much of the commotion had died down. He worked five furlongs in 59.60, but Cox said an examination at the barn revealed the condylar injury.

His defection puts trainer Ken McPeek back into the Derby, a year after winning the race with Mystik Dan.

There had been some question whether Render Judgement would be entered, but ownership group made the move on Saturday. The son of Blame has one win in seven career starts. McPeek has named Flavian Prat as the jockey.

”I mean, if we were to enter in the race and go, I mean, we're going to enjoy it, and we probably would just take him back and make one run,” McPeek said earlier this week. “You know, the comment that you get from all the partners is, ’Well, don't forget Rich Strike. I know. Thanks, Eric (Reed).’ But anyway, it's fine.”

Next on the also-eligibles list would be Santa Anita Derby runner-up Baeza, who went to the Churchill Downs track to gallop for the first time Saturday.

Post positions for Kentucky Derby 151 will be drawn Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Churchill Downs.

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