Dutrow's promising El Capi is sidelined with shin problems

El Capi made an eye-popping debut when he dominated a Dec. 2 maiden special weight race at seven furlongs at Aqueduct by 9 1/2 lengths. Unfortunately, it will be some time before fans can eyeball him again.

Trainer Rick Dutrow said the 3-year-old son of Maclean’s Music could miss as much as two months with shin problems. He had hoped to have El Capi ready for the Grade 3, $1.5 million Saudi Derby on Feb. 24, believing the mile would be ideal for him.

“Everybody is disappointed when you can’t make your next race,” Dutrow said. “But I am not disappointed because I can see him making a lot of big races.”

El Capi had worked only twice since his scintillating start on a muddy, sealed track that favored speed throughout that afternoon. With jockey Jose Antonio Gomez gearing him down, he stopped the clock at 1:21.99 for the seven furlongs.

He was rewarded with a 99 Beyer Speed Figure from Daily Racing Form for his huge effort, one that had some believing he might belong on the Kentucky Derby trail. But he had not appeared on the work tab since he traveled four furlongs in 49.65 seconds at Belmont Park on New Year’s Day.

“I never dreamt of him being a Derby horse,” Dutrow said, “but I do dream of him being a special horse and that is still possible. He’s going to come back better than ever.”

Dutrow said the layoff is based on guidance from Dr. Larry Bramlage after the preeminent veterinarian put the colt through an extensive examination. “We’ll wait for him and gather him up when he’s ready,” the trainer said of his potential star. “There is not anything that can be done other than giving him time to come out of whatever he’s into.”