War of Will 'much improved' morning after Louisiana Derby, Casse says

NEW ORLEANS - War of Will, who finished ninth as the favorite in the Louisiana Derby on Saturday at Fair Grounds, was reported "much improved this morning" on Sunday by his trainer, Mark Casse, who had said Saturday night following the race that War of Will was "off significantly."

"It's pretty clear he strained something," said Casse, who theorized War of Will strained ligaments when he caught his patella. That would be one step removed from a stifle locking up, which would have prevented War of Will from continuing with the race.

"Right after the race, when we got back to the barn, he was walking really off in his right hind," Casse said. "We think it was a freak deal and he's going to be fine. He's feeling a lot better this morning. We feel fortunate. Forget about losing the race. His health is the most important thing."

Casse said War of Will would go to Keeneland on Tuesday with his main string of horses.

"We'll go over him completely, but he could be back training pretty quickly," Casse said.

If that timetable plays out, and with nearly six weeks until the Kentucky Derby, War of Will remains in play for the Derby, Casse said.

War of Will won the Lecomte and the Risen Star earlier this meet and thus was favored at 4-5 on Saturday. Those two stakes victories gave him 60 points, more than enough to make the Derby field on May 4.