Pletcher Derby hopeful Vassimo tests positive for betamethasone
Vassimo, undefeated and entered in Saturday’s Grade 2 Risen Star, tested positive for betamethasone after his debut race in December.
The pending allegation is posted on the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit website. It does not affect his eligibility to run in Saturday’s Risen Star, which offers 50-25-15-10-5 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the top five finishers.
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid and is listed by HIWU as a controlled substance. It is used to control pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in horses. It’s the substance that was found in Medina Spirit after the 2021 Kentucky Derby, resulting in his disqualification and suspension of trainer Bob Baffert by Churchill Downs Inc.
Pletcher attorney Drew Mollica told Paulick Report that his client disputes the result and that they are weighing their options.
Trained by Todd Pletcher, Vassimo won his first start, a one-mile maiden special weight at Gulfstream on Dec. 14, by one length. He then won an optional-claiming allowance at Tampa Bay Downs by 2 3/4 lengths going 1 mile, 40 yards. Irad Ortiz Jr. was aboard for both starts and is schedule to ride Vassimo on Saturday.
A Nyquist colt bred by Sierra Farm, Vassimo was purchased as a yearling for $120,000 by Team Penney Racing.