Pappacap is off the Derby trail, headed to the Pat Day Mile

By Victor Ryan
Photo: Casey Phillips / Eclipse Sportswire

Pappacap, who ranked in the Kentucky Derby top 20 after earning points in four prep races, will not contest the classic and instead will be routed to the $500,000 Pat Day Mile (G2) on the undercard May 7 at Churchill Downs.

[Related: Derby scenarios: What 47 horses need to qualify]

Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse confirmed the decision Thursday in a text message to Horse Racing Nation.

Pappacap, who last year was second in the American Pharoah (G1) and Breeders' Cup Juvenile, has made three additional stops on the Derby trail this year with limited success. The Gun Runner colt was beaten only about a length when third in the 1 1/16-miles Lecomte (G3), but then was eighth in the Risen Star (G2) and fourth in the Florida Derby (G1), both at 1 1/8 miles, while never a factor.

Pappacap had ranked No. 19 on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with 24 points. 

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