A 'setback' for Kentucky Derby 2018 contender Gronkowski

Europe's 2018 Kentucky Derby qualifier Gronkowski may not make the trip to Churchill Downs after all.

Trainer Jeremy Noseda told RacingPost.com on Monday the colt suffered "a minor setback," now inside of two weeks until the race. The son of Lonhro was due to ship to the United States this weekend.

"We will know where we are in the next 24 hours," Noseda told RacingPost.com.

Gronkowski hasn't lost in four starts since switching from turf to synthetic surfaces. His last-out win in Newmarket's Burradon Stakes going a straight mile earned him Europe's invitation to the May 5 Kentucky Derby.

Owned by Phoenix Thoroughbreds, the colt is named after New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, as connections felt the equine version was built like the 6-foot-5 tight end. Gronkowski -- the human -- bought into his namesake horse last week and planned to be at Churchill Downs for the Derby.

Should Gronkowski defect from the prospective field, Steve Asmussen-trained Combatant would have first preference to make the gate.