Ron Correll
Senior columnist
Tracksideview.com

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Trainer Mac Robertson declared Win Willy out of the Kentucky Derby on Wednesday when a ‘line’ was discovered in his left front leg. Robertson said the injury, which could be the start of a fracture, was discovered through X-rays. The announced was made hours before entries were taken.

Win Willy galloped both Tuesday and Wednesday and looked fine according to Robertson. “We X-ray our horses every once in awhile and I was concerned a little after he didn’t fire in the stretch of the Arkansas Derby and he lugged in a little. My wife, Cyndi, is a vet so we are careful with our horses.”

Robertson said several vets looked at the X-rays and “there’s a small line in the pastern going to the ankle.”

Robertson said the colt would get at least 60 days off and no surgery is planned. “He’ll stay with me. I don’t want him out running in a field where he could do further damage. He’ll walk the shed row for 30 days. We’ll take some more X-rays after that and see if it’s still there. If it’s disappearing, then we know that he got in the Arkansas Derby, if not, it may be something that he always has had.”

When asked if he was disappointed, Robertson responded, ” I wouldn’t say I’m disappointed. I’m glad I X-rayed the horse. It’s depressing for the owners, but I think it important to do the right thing for the horse. If maybe he’s gotten an injury, then the horse doesn’t run. You know your star wide receiver gets hurt and shouldn’t play that week.  ”You don’t want a horse running in a mile-and-a-quarter race if something is wrong. It’s just not smart. He’s not sore and he’s not off on it, but we’re not taking any chances.” Instead of feeling sorry … it won’t do the horse any good. We’ll just take care of him and get him sound.”

With the loss of Win Willy, Nowhere to Hide becomes the 20th entry in the Kentucky Derby. The 3-year-old son of Vindication is trained by Nick Zito and owned by My Meadowview Farm. Shaun Bridgmohan was named to ride the colt in the Derby.

Nowhere to Hide has finished fourth in three races this year: the Risen Star, Tampa Bay Derby and the Illinois Derby. He has $55,000 in graded earnings