Grande to undergo further testing

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Grande, who was scratched from the Kentucky Derby by the state regulatory veterinarians due to a cracked heel, was to undergo further tests to determine the extent, if any, of his injury.

Grande was examined by Dr. Larry Bramlage at the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital last Tuesday, but those tests came back “inconclusive,” according to trainer Todd Pletcher

“He’s actually going for further tests on Tuesday,” Pletcher said. “So far, we haven’t found anything to hang our hat on.”

Pletcher said Grande is currently at WinStar Farm. Pletcher said if Grande passes his upcoming tests “he’ll come straight to Saratoga and prepare for something, possibly the Belmont,” he said.

Grande, a son of Curlin owned by Mike Repole, won his first two starts before finishing second to Rodriguez in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial.

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