Hoppertunity out of Kentucky Derby with sore foot

Hoppertunity, the second favorite for the Kentucky Derby, is out of the race. Trainer Bob Baffert says the colt has a sore left front foot. Hoppertunity was the 6-1 choice for Saturday’s race. He was to be ridden by Mike Smith. The scratch on Thursday means Pablo Del Monte can run in the Derby. However, the 50-1 shot would have to start from the No. 20 post position. Hoppertunity had drawn the No. 11 post. It wasn’t immediately known if Pablo Del Monte’s owners want to start under that condition. Baffert says Hoppertunity’s foot problem was discovered Wednesday. He says the colt’s foot seems to improve once he’s warmed up. But since he’s not 100 percent, Baffert did not want to run the horse. Baffert has another horse in the race, 20-1 shot Chitu. – Associated Press