Top Kentucky Derby prospect and undefeated Nadal was injured during a workout this morning at Santa Anita. The injury was diagnosed after the 3-year-old colt by Blame worked a half-mile Thursday in :48 4/5 for trainer Bob Baffert. He went into surgery at the equine hospital at the Southern California track, and had two screws placed in the leg.
Nadal was coming off a win in the split Arkansas Derby where his stablemate Charlatan won the other division. Both horses were being pointed for races at Belmont with Nadal heading to the Belmont Stakes and Charlatan being mentioned for the Woody Stephens, a seven furlong Grade 1 around one turn. Obviously that can now change and Charlatan can possibly be re-routed to the Belmont. The results of a split sample test on Charlatan following his Arkansas Derby win are pending.
Nadal was said to be 1300 pounds and thought by many to be the top prospect in the loaded Baffert barn. This shows how fast and often times cruel this sport can be. On the plus side is Nadal will likely head to stud with Spendthrift Farm being a leading candidate to stand the powerful Blame colt.
