Slow Down Andy fever has Happy Jack in Derby for O'Neill

Slow Down Andy, who won two points preps to qualify for the Kentucky Derby, was diagnosed with a fever at Keeneland and will miss the May 7 classic, trainer Doug O’Neill confirmed Saturday morning.

“He’s not going to make the Kentucky Derby, unfortunately,” O’Neill said in a text message to Horse Racing Nation.

The two-time Kentucky Derby-winning conditioner could still have a starter in this year's classic, however. Maiden winner Happy Jack, based off being third in both the San Felipe (G2) and Santa Anita Derby (G1), now ranks 20th and is in the Kentucky Derby with 30 points.

A homebred for Calumet Farm, Happy Jack is a son of its long-winded stallion Oxbow.

Slow Down Andy arrived at Keeneland shortly after his win in the Sunland Park Derby (G3) on March 26. He was expected to have his first timed workout for the Kentucky Derby there this weekend.

Slow Down Andy also won the the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) in December over top Kentucky Derby contender Messier. With 60 qualifying points in all, the son of Nyquist ranked 11th among current Derby candidates.

O'Neill said he was not sure if the Reddam Racing homebred would return to his base at Santa Anita or remain east for a possible try in the $1.25 million Preakness on May 21 or perhaps another assignment.

The defection of Slow Down Andy means Florida Derby (G1) runner-up Charge It and second-place Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) finisher Tawny Port are off the bubble and safely in the Derby field with 40 points each.