Report: Derby Favorite Paladin Sidelined With Fracture

Paladin, the Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite in future wagering conducted earlier this month, is off the Triple Crown trail because of a condylar fracture detected in the colt's right front ankle after a March 28 workout at Payson Park, trainer Chad Brown told Daily Racing Form. Victorious in three starts, including the 2025 Remsen Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct Racetrack and Feb. 14 Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Paladin was preparing for a start in the April 4 Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland. He will now be sidelined at least through the spring and summer because of the injury, which was detected Saturday morning after he had breezed a half-mile in :48 4/5. "It's a heartbreaker," Brown told Daily Racing Form. A condylar fracture is an injury where a crack develops in the lower part of the cannon bone, often requiring the insertion of screws with surgery. Paladin, a Gun Runner 3-year-old colt owned by Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter Brant, Brook Smith, and breeder Jane Lyon of Summer Wind Equine, is scheduled to be shipped to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, where renowned surgeon Dr. Larry Bramlage will operate, Brown indicated to the Form. The trainer did not return a phone message seeking confirmation and comment. Canaletto, another leading 3-year-old for the trainer, is also sidelined, according to the Form. Brown has two other horses still on the Derby trail in the Gotham Stakes (G3) winner Iron Honor and the Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Emerging Market.