Common Defense skips Kentucky Derby; Epic Ride next

HRN staff
Photo: Bentley Breland / Eclipse Sportswire

Common Defense, first in line for Kentucky Derby 2024 if there is a defection, will not run for the roses, trainer Kenny McPeek said.

The Churchill Downs media team reported that plans are to be determined for the Karakontie colt. The Louisville Courier Journal reported on X that McPeek said Common Defense missed a Saturday workout "due to a minor issue. Choose to take our time with him. Really nice colt with a big future."

A move to turf is likely, according to the Courier Journal post.

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Common Defense broke his maiden in January in his second start and is winless in three starts since, with a second-place finish in the Rebel (G2) bookended by fifth-place finishes in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and Southwest (G3).

Next in line for the next spot in the starting gate is Epic Ride, who was third last out in the Blue Grass (G1) and second in the John Battaglia Memorial for trainer John Ennis.

The Blame colt has a career record of 5: 2-2-1 with earnings of $345,450.

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