Empire Maker -Brused Heal

[Kappa]

Following this morning's gallop, Bobby Frankel discovered that Empire Maker had a brused heal. He is still planning to run him Saturday.

Also, Bob Baffert announced that Kafwain will not go Saturday.

[WINMANWIN]

Empire Maker bruises foot
By JAY PRIVMAN

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Empire Maker, the favorite for Saturday's 129th Kentucky Derby, has a bruised foot that needed attention from both a veterinarian and a farrier on Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs.Bobby Frankel, the trainer of Empire Maker, said he did not think the bruise to Empire Maker's right front foot would keep the colt from starting in the Derby.

"Don't worry. He's going to be fine," Frankel said. "Put it this way -- if he's not right, he's not going to run."

Empire Maker was scheduled to jog on Tuesday, and did that. Following that, however, Frankel had Dr. Ken Reed, a veterinarian, examine the foot. Later, Steve Norman, a well-respected local farrier, worked on the foot, too.

Norman in 1996 constructed the egg bar shoes that allowed Unbridled's Song to run in the Derby.

Frankel said Empire Maker's shoe was filed and trimmed to relieve pressure on the bruise. He said the colt would have his foot soaked in hot water and Epsom salts on Tuesday, and that he expected Empire Maker to have his scheduled gallop on Wednesday.

[WINMANWIN]

Hard to interpret this injury. After more investigation, Empire Maker reportedly bruised his foot in the Wood Memorial. He worked very well after the wood, So MR. Frankel has the perfect Excuse built in here. If he loses, The horse just was NOT himself. If he WINS, This horse proved He's the goods, and most tip
there Hat to Him.

[Observer]

I also heard this occured in or after the Wood Memorial .. and if that's true .. the horse has continued about his business just fine .. of course, it's not good to have this flare up now .. and I guess it's a dicey situation with warm water and epsom salts .. but that should pull out whatever is bothering him .. I guess there could be a chance that this gets worse before it gets better .. and lets face it .. if this were a race other than the Derby or a horse other than Empire Maker, this would probably not be getting any attention. Who knows how often some of the best in this game go out with a bruise??

Regardless, it's unfortunate .. because if he loses, this is a legitimate excuse (and Frankel risks criticism for running him) .. if he wins, this may cause people to go overboard on the effort .. because he will do it with a troubled foot.