Kentucky Derby Hopefuls Out For The Big Race

According to reports, Square Eddie and Quality Road have pulled out of the 135th Kentucky Derby.

Square Eddie’s trainer Doug O’Neill told reporters on Tuesday that his horse has re-aggravated a cannon bone injury and will not run in at Churchill Downs.

Square Eddie has had eight starts, with two wins while finishing second three times and third twice. One of the second-place finishes was in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. The horse has career winnings of over $817,000.

Square Eddie is the second horse in as many days to be withdrawn. Quality Road was taken from the race due to a quarter-crack injury to its right front hoof. Quality Road has been troubled by foot problems since running away with the Florida Derby in late March.

“It’s not terribly bad; it’s just not right,” said trainer Jimmy Jerkens.

Jerkens did admit it was a “devastating” setback to miss the Derby on Saturday as Quality Road figured to be among the betting favorites.