Breeders' Cup still possible for injured Red Ruby

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Red Ruby has been sidelined since her July 7 victory in the Grade 3 Delaware Oaks due to a fracture of a splint bone. But trainer Kellyn Gorder said Thursday that Red Ruby could return to the races this year and perhaps even make the Breeders’ Cup.

Red Ruby has been confined to her stall for two weeks, but Gorder said she could have the injured area freeze-fired in a few days and go back under tack in a week or two. Gorder said he still needs to discuss options with her owners, but “I would have to think we still could have the Breeders’ Cup in our sights.”

Gorder noted that Red Ruby had 16 days in her stall followed by two workouts going into the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan, a race she won in May. She followed that up with a 13-length victory in the Delaware Oaks.

Gorder said he could envision a scenario where if he were able to get two breezes into Red Ruby in September, perhaps he could find a race for her at Keeneland in early October.

“Less [training] is sometimes better for her,” Gorder said. “Maybe she’s helping me train her.”