Ava's Grace scratches from Kentucky Oaks with injury

Ava’s Grace has been scratched from the Kentucky Oaks and is being sent to Hagyard Equine Medical Institute for a full evaluation, according to trainer Robertino Diodoro.

“It’s just bad timing,” Diodoro said. “We’re not sure exactly what the problem is, so she’s going to Hagyard for a scan. I’m surprised it didn’t show up after her work (last Friday). She had been doing so well. We’re disappointed, obviously.”

The Laoban filly was expected to contest the pace in the Oaks under David Cohen after nearly wiring the field in the April 3 Fantasy (G3) when going two turns for the fist time. 

Owned by Cypress Creek Equine, Ava's Grace has finished in the money in each of her four career starts. After breaking her maiden at Ellis Park last July, she was second in the Adirondack Stakes (G2) in August. Ava's Grace took a break until March, when she finished third in an allowance race at Oaklawn before getting nailed late by Pauline's Pearl in the 1 1/16-miles Fantasy (G3) on April 3.