Notional's Fracture changes Derby

How delicate the bones of those powerful thoroughbreds! Again, a fracture has altered the race plans of a major Triple Crown contender. Notional's break is repairable.

Perhaps my sensitivity to this sort of thing would automatically oust me as a thoroughbred owner, although the unattainable notion of being one has crossed my mind many times. Could I ever, given the circumstance, have been a Gretchen Jackson?

The decision she had to make regarding her prize colt, Barbaro, would have ripped my heart out. She says now that not a day goes by that she doesn't think of him. (And he has a full brother, named Nicanor, born this month!) Do you just get tough enough to go on despite the awful setbacks that can come in thoroughbred racing? It's hard for me to imagine being burdened with such a decision as the Jacksons had to make.

This latest fracture will change the Kentucky Derby entry picture.

Notional, No.9, in the NTRA rankings this past week, did not return well from a routine gallop April 14 in Lexington, from where he was scheduled to ship to Louisville for the Derby. His workout was on Polytrack at Keeneland Race Course.There have been reports that Polytrack, an all weather surface, is an increased risk for injury to thoroughbreds who run on it. But it's the newest technology. Who can stop that?

Notional's left front ankle is fractured, but it will mend after surgery. He is off the Derby list, possibly giving a lesser ranked individual a new chance to Run for the Roses.

Who will that be? Cobalt Blue? Blue didn't do well in his last race, finishing a faded seventh in the Illinois Derby April 7 at Hawthorne Race Course, where he had been the pre-race favorite. The Reddam team also has Liquidity, who appeared on early season Derby Top Ten lists. Liquidity dueled King of the Roxy part way through the Santa Anita Derby stretch April 7, but fell back to finish off the board.

Time will tell us about the 2007 Kentucky Derby entrants. Meanwhile, be safe, ye runners of great races!