Theory drops out of Hopeful

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The complexion of next Monday’s Grade 1 Hopeful at Saratoga changed dramatically over the weekend with the news that Theory, arguably the most impressive debut-winning 2-year-old male at the meet, would not run again this year due to a physical issue.

Theory, a son of Gemologist trained by Todd Pletcher, is being sent to WinStar Farm to be examined for a potential injury to his right foreleg, according to Elliott Walden, president and chief executive of WinStar, which owns the colt with China Horse Club.

“He’s going home to get checked out,” Walden said. “We don’t know what it is.”

Walden said Theory galloped on Saturday and that Pletcher was planning to breeze him Sunday but didn’t feel comfortable doing so.

Walden said the issue likely would put Theory off schedule for the remainder of the year, so the decision was made to not run again in 2016.

“Once you get off schedule, you’re always playing catch-up,” Walden said. “We like 3-year-olds. We feel he’s one of the best 2-year-olds in the country and the best 2-year-old we have.”

Theory won his debut here July 30 by 5 1/2 lengths, running six furlongs in 1:09.87. He earned an 85 Beyer Speed Figure.

Theory’s stock rose on Saturday after Reckling, the horse who finished second to him, came back to win a loaded maiden race by 1 1/4 lengths.

Pletcher said the only horse he is considering running in the Hopeful is Sonic Mule, who finished fourth in the Saratoga Special.

Bitumen, who will be among the favorites for the Hopeful off his victory in the Grade 2 Sanford, worked four furlongs in 48.75 seconds Monday over the main track. He went in company with the 3-year-old filly Blast.

The pair went off in a quick quarter of 23.34 seconds and came home in 25.41.

“There were some other horses that broke off at the same time, and they all went quick early, but it was fine,” trainer Eddie Kenneally said.

Others pointing to the Hopeful include Classic Empire, Practical Joke, Royal Copy, and Runaway Lute.