Audible sent to Kentucky for a physical exam

ELMONT, N.Y. – Audible, the Grade 1 Florida Derby winner and third-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby, has been taken out of training and sent to a clinic in Kentucky for a complete physical, trainer Todd Pletcher said Monday.

Last Friday, Pletcher said Audible was not training to his satisfaction and he was removed from consideration for the Belmont Stakes. Audible shares common ownership with Justify, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner who will be aiming for a Triple Crown in the June 9 Belmont.

A published internet report last Friday indicated that Audible had a gluteal strain, but Audible did gallop at Belmont Park on Friday. He has only walked since then, Pletcher said.

Pletcher said Monday the strain was “part of” the reason Audible was taken out of training “but we don’t think that’s the whole equation,” he said. “He’s actually going to Kentucky for a complete physical. He’ll probably get a little freshening at WinStar; assuming nothing significant shows up then we’d still like to be in training for the Jim Dandy or Haskell.”

The Jim Dandy, at Saratoga, and Haskell, at Monmouth Park, are run on July 28 and 29, respectively.