Gulfstream Park: Ever So Lucky has foot bruise

Ever So Lucky has been anything but lucky this winter for trainer Jonathan Sheppard. Ever So Lucky was forced to miss the Grade 2 Hutcheson due to a combination of several days of wet weather that disrupted his training and a little gash on his right foot, and now he’s suffered a second minor setback, a bruise on his left foot, Sheppard revealed Sunday.

Sheppard’s current goal for Ever So Lucky is the seven-furlong, Grade 3 Swale on March 10.

“We pulled the shoe off and treated it Sunday morning, and it seemed better,” Sheppard said. “I think if all goes well, we’ve still got a shot to make the Swale.”

Ever So Lucky started just twice at 2, both races at Churchill Downs, registering an easy maiden win before finishing second behind the undefeated Gemologist when sent two turns in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club. Sheppard has said his first major goal for Ever So Lucky this spring would be the Blue Grass.