Horses

Baffert’s Cupid has breathing problem, won’t run in Kentucky Derby

By RICHARD ROSENBLATT

Associated Press
Cupid, far right with Martin Garcia aboard, battled Whitmore and Irad Ortiz Jr., center, down the stretch in front of the rest of the field in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., on March 19, 2016. Cupid won the race with Whitmore finishing second.
Cupid, far right with Martin Garcia aboard, battled Whitmore and Irad Ortiz Jr., center, down the stretch in front of the rest of the field in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., on March 19, 2016. Cupid won the race with Whitmore finishing second. Danny Johnston Associated Press

Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert said Cupid has a breathing problem and won’t run in the Kentucky Derby.

Baffert’s decision Monday comes two days after Cupid finished 10th in the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. Cupid won the Rebel Stakes and was the favorite in Saturday’s race won by Creator.

Cupid came out of the race with an entrapped epiglottis, and Baffert said the gray colt was having surgery Monday to clear the breathing passageway at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington.

The issue is not considered serious. Baffert said Cupid “should be OK in a week” and would be under consideration for the Preakness on May 21.

Baffert’s American Pharoah became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years in 2015. The trainer still has Mor Spirt set to run in the Derby on May 7.

With Cupid out, Mo Tom moved into Derby contention at No. 20 on the qualifying points leaderboard. The Derby field is limited to 20 starters.

This story was originally published April 18, 2016 at 2:13 PM with the headline "Baffert’s Cupid has breathing problem, won’t run in Kentucky Derby."

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