Injury Sidelines Tapizar From Triple Crown Chase

It was a disappointing day for owners Winchell Thoroughbreds, trainer Steven Asmussen and fans of Tapizar, who's Triple Crown dream was dashed today due to a bone chip in his knee. Tapizar will be sent to Kentucky where he will been having surgery on the knee. Noted veterinarian Larry Bramlage will perform the surgery.

Trainer Asmussen and Winchell Racing Manager David Fiske made the announcement on Tuesday, but the recovery looks good for Tapizar, according to the Bloodhorse:

"The chip was discovered on Sunday," said David Fiske, racing manager and farm manager for the Winchell family. "We shot some film on Sunday and got the results back that afternoon, then forwarded the results on the Dr. (Larry) Bramlage at Rood & Riddle. We consulted with him and came up with a plan."

"He wasn't acting like himself before and during the race for whatever reason. Fortunately, the prognosis is pretty good for his return."

Tapizar was considered one of the top California three-year-olds on the trail for the Kentucky Derby before the injury. Tapizar won the Grade III Sham Stakes earlier in the year at Santa Anita and was considered the horse to beat in the Grade II Robert B. Lewis Stakes this past Saturday. Tapizar burst on to the early lead in the Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita, setting quick early fractions, but noticeably faded in the stretch to finish a distant fourth.

The injury is also a huge blow to Asmussen's Derby hopes, but the trainer still has a couple more Derby prospects in his barn. Astrology won the Grade III Iroquois Stakes and was second in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs last year. Silver Medallion arrived on the Derby trail this past weekend with his victory over Jakesam in the Grade III El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields. It was his second straight stakes win after capturing the Eddie Logan Stakes on turf at Santa Anita on New Year's Eve.

Posted in: Triple Crown