Constitution won't run in Dubai World Cup

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - WinStar Farm reported Thursday that Donn Handicap winner Constitution will not participate in the $10 million Dubai World Cup as originally planned.

Constitution, who set the pace and then held off defending champion Lea to win the Grade 1 Donn, worked five furlongs in 1:01.21 at Palm Beach Downs last Saturday. The following morning, trainer Todd Pletcher said he discovered some heat and soreness in Constitution’s left shin.

“With the Breeders’ Cup our main goal, we decided to take the conservative approach for now and not ship him to Dubai,” said Pletcher.

Constitution, owned in partnership by WinStar and Twin Creeks Racing, has won 4 of 6 career starts, including two Grade 1 races, the Donn and the 2014 Florida Derby, both those victories coming at Gulfstream Park. The 113 Beyer Speed Figure earned by Constitution in the Donn is the highest posted by any horse in 2015.