Risen Star winner Mr. Monomoy off the 2020 Kentucky Derby trail

Noticing “some pressure in an ankle,” trainer Brad Cox’s team discovered a physical setback that will prevent Mr. Monomoy from continuing on the 2020 Kentucky Derby trail.

The Palace Malice colt, also a half-sister to champion filly Monomoy Girl, had essentially punched his ticket to the Churchill Downs starting gate Feb. 15 when he won the first division of Fair Grounds’ Risen Star Stakes (G2), earning 50 qualifying points.

Mr. Monomoy hadn’t yet worked back from that race as of Sunday.

“He just had some changes going on,” Cox said, which led to an X-ray. The official diagnosis is forthcoming.

“We’re still waiting to figure out exactly what’s going on,” Cox added. “He’s going to be out a little while.”

Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb and Doheny Racing campaign Mr. Monomoy, who had also run third in Fair Grounds’ Lecomte Stakes (G3) this season. Back on Nov. 16 at Churchill Downs, he posted a front-running victory that made him one to watch from this crop, especially considering his breeding.

The Louisville, Ky., native Cox then is still searching for his first Derby starter. He expects to start both Wells Bayou and Answer In — second and third, respectively, in Oaklawn Park's Southwest Stakes (G3) — back over the same track in the March 14 Rebel Stakes (G2).

“I don’t think it changes anything,” he said, indicating Mr. Monomoy’s injury won’t lead him to separate the other colts. “We’ll treat each horse as an individual. Obviously this is a setback for (Mr. Monomoy), but he’s a nice horse. We’ve got to give him the time required.”