Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile: State veterinarian scratches Taptowne with foot bruise

ARCADIA, Calif. – Taptowne, who would have given trainer Tim Glyshaw his first Breeders’ Cup starter, was ordered scratched by the state veterinarian’s office at Santa Anita early Friday from the BC Dirt Mile because of a bruised foot.

Owned by a four-partner group that runs under the stable name of Clovertowne Farm, Taptowne was 15-1 on the morning line after drawing post 1 for the Dirt Mile. The gray 5-year-old gelding, an earner of more than $550,000 from 28 starts, has ample speed and was expected to be part of the pace in the race.

Glyshaw, based primarily in Kentucky, said he was extremely disappointed with the scratch. He said the nature of the injury on the left front foot is very minor and that the gelding should be able to race again soon. Glyshaw said he did not want to comment further.

Easter Gift, listed as number 13 on the program as the only also-eligible in the 14 Breeders’ Cup races this weekend, could have drawn into the Dirt Mile but did not make the trip from New York, leaving 11 in the field.

According to Santa Anita racing secretary Rick Hammerle, the remaining 11 starters will move in one slot in the starting gate, as opposed to leaving the rail slot open.