Déjà Vu, Anyone?

Old Fashioned is out. Done. Finished.

Following his second place effort in the Arkansas Derby yesterday, Old Fashioned was discovered to have a non-displaced slab fracture in his knee. This certainly shouldn't be a life threatening injury for him, and it might not even end his career, but clearly the Derby is no longer an option. I just have to say it. Larry Jones Trained, Fox Hill Farm owned, Talented gray horse. Haven't we seen this before? Wasn't her name Eight Belles? And didn't they just ask Larry Jones on ESPN last night BEFORE the race if he felt a little déjà vu himself? I find it odd. At any rate, this is obviously bad news for Old Fashioned and his connections, however, it is astoundingly great news for Todd Pletcher and Dunkirk. Also, this does change my top ten a bit, and it puts a little question on the valididty of Papa Clem's win. Old Fashioned ran well, but how could he have run his best with a fracture? Therefore, this does change a couple things. Obviously, first, Old Fashioned is off the list. Papa Clem may or may not move down a little. Friesan Fire loses a bit of the validation this race gave him, but he will stay where he is. Dunkirk's chances now are even stronger, so he may move up. However, losing the speedy front runner will help out Quality Road immensly, so it's a tough call.

That Said, here's wishing Old Fashioned a speedy recovery and a long, healthy life, whether it be on or off the track.