Panadol, runner-up in the UAE Derby Sponsored By Emirates NBD (G2) at Meydan March 27, will not travel to compete in the May 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), Churchill Downs announced April 15. His defection means the Kentucky Derby will be without a foreign-raced runner this year.
Panadol, who carries the colors of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, had earlier been called 70% likely to participate in the Derby by trainer Salem Bin Ghadayer.
Though still listed Thursday afternoon by Churchill on its Kentucky Derby leaderboard, also appearing likely to bow out of the Derby is Rombauer .
"Preakness and then Belmont is our plan if the Racing Gods cooperate and he stays healthy," co-owner John Fradkin tweeted.
Trainer Chad Brown intends to run just one of his two potential Derby starters, Highly Motivated and Crowded Trade.
Adding further uncertainty, owner John Ed Anthony of Shortleaf Stable expressed reservations to Horse Racing Nation about running Caddo River in the Derby, and trainer Bob Baffert wants to evaluate Concert Tour's training before committing him to the classic.
Panadol's removal from Derby consideration moves Hidden Stash into the race, with Dream Shake and O Besos next in line if Rombauer or another horse is officially withdrawn. The Derby is limited to 20 starters, with preference given to horses with the most qualifying points.
