- Home
- DRF Bets
- Handicapping & PPsHorsemen's ProductsReports
- The Wizard
- DRF Gameplan
- Quick Sheets
- DRF Picks
- Today's Racing Digest
- Key Race Report
- Positive ROI Report
- Moss Pace Figure Reports
- Debut Reports
- BreezeFigs
Access past performances- DRF EasyForm PPs
- DRF Classic PDF PPs
- DRF Formulator PPs
- DRF HarnessEye PPs
- DRF Daily Harness Program PPs
- Daily Racing Program PPs
Racing and Wagering InformationToolsHorse Racing Links- Race Tracks
- Casinos
- Account Wagering
- Breeding
- Racing and Charitable
- Contests/Games
- Regional/Free
- Radio Shows
Get the most out of
DRF's online PPs with
Learn more. - Entries
- Results
- NewsCategoriesTrack ReportsTriple Crown Special Events
Exclusive content available only with a DRF Plus Plan. See Plan Pricing. - Blogs
- Video
- Learn
- StorePast Performances
- Compare all DRF PPs
- DRF Formulator PPs
- DRF Classic PPs
- DRF EasyForm PPs
- Daily Racing Program PPs
- See all Pricing/Plans
REPORTS PICKS Harness PPs - Events
- Breeding
Email
NEW ORLEANS – Ive Struck a Nerve, the 135-1 winner of the Risen Star Stakes last month at Fair Grounds, suffered an ankle injury in a Saturday morning workout and will miss the Triple Crown series, trainer Keith Desormeaux said.
“It’s very disappointing,” said Desormeaux. “It doesn’t look like it’s career-threatening and he’s not in peril. It’s the kind of injury that happens quite a bit in this game. The good news is we know we still have a nice horse.”
[DERBY WATCH: Top 20 Kentucky Derby contenders with odds and video]
Ive Struck a Nerve is owned by the Big Chief Racing LLC of Matt Bryant, who earlier this week sold a minority interest in the bay colt to Boston businessman Paul Braverman. The colt was among the leaders in the new Kentucky Derby points system and was virtually assured a spot in the starting gate for the Churchill Downs classic on May 4.
In his first work since the Feb. 23 Risen Star, Ive Struck a Nerve breezed a half-mile over a fast Fair Grounds track Saturday in 48.60 seconds. Jockey Jimmy Graham, who rode him in the Risen Star, was aboard. “About 20 minutes after he came back to the barn he was a little off,” said Desormeaux.
Desormeaux said later Saturday that the colt likely would be sent to the Rood and Riddle equine clinic Monday for further evaluation by Dr. Larry Bramlage. The injury was to a sesamoid in the left front.
A Kentucky-bred by Yankee Gentleman, Ive Struck a Nerve was scheduled to have two more Saturday workouts before running in what was scheduled to be his final Kentucky Derby prep, the March 30 Louisiana Derby.
“The dream is over,” said Desormeaux, who has never been remotely close to having a Kentucky Derby horse and whose younger brother, jockey Kent Desormeaux, has won the Derby three times. “But we’ll be back in the hunt again someday.”
Desormeaux said when he delivered the bad news to Bryant, “of course he was very disappointed. But he took it pretty well. That’s the way this game can be. C’est la vie.”
Ive Struck a Nerve closed as a 50-1 shot last weekend in the second pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager. Prior to his nose victory and 95 Beyer Speed Figure in the Risen Star, he had won 1 of 8 starts, with the lone win coming in a maiden sprint at Fair Grounds in November. His prior high Beyer was a 74.
– additional reporting by Marcus Hersh
 |
This could be a blessing. Gives the horse a chance to mature and do great things later.
|
 |
Such bad news for this colt and his connections. I don't think he would ever come close to repeating his effort in the Risen Star, but it was fun to watch his owner and trainer so excited after the race. Hope he comes back sound for a late year campaign.
|
for richard:
if the future book is like the ones in las vegas he has lost his wager.
|
This guy was going absolutely nowhere and now frees up space in the gate for a real contender. Desormeaux had his five minutes of fame and can return to trainer ordinaire again. Help your brother out with a few winners man, he's hurtin.
|
 |
The carnage is starting again. Two big horses two weeks in a row...I always hate it when horses get injured.
|
|
Just as minority portion of him was sold. Ha.
That'll strike a nerve.
|
|
Not sure who I feel worse for, the owners who had him for awhile,or the guy who came in and payed a super inflated figure last week. When guys come in and try to buy the Derby experience it usually does not work out well. Too Bad, sad for the connections, but looks minor so maybe he can come back next year and give them some good memories
|
|
I am curious about the people who had I’ve Struck A Nerve in future wagers? What happens to their bet? Are they able to scratch or do they automatically get the favorite?
|
that's disappointing to hear, the goods new horse still alive
|
I feel sorry for his connections. They were truly excited about his and their chances.
|
Best Bets
MOST HAPPY FELLA, reclaimed from last, drops to easier spot after setting pressured pace vs. odds-on Pinball; both wins last year came on this track. ARTIE LUVSTO PARTY has a knack for surprises, with three lifetime wins coming at 33-1, 17-1 & 11-1 (two on this track); entrymate EQUIVOCATION gets major rider switch first off a claim. PURE ATTITUDE among top 3 in wins & earnings and snug fit to date clause.
