Cupid (Tapit), 10th as the 4-5 favorite in Saturday's GI Arkansas Derby, is no longer under consideration for the GI Kentucky Derby and instead will point toward the GI Preakness S. May 21, trainer Bob Baffert confirmed via text message Monday.
The colt emerged from the race with an entrapped epiglottis and was scheduled to undergo surgery Monday. Cupid chased a swift pace in the Arkansas Derby before tiring to finish 10th, beaten 11 1/4 lengths by Creator (Tapit). He previously captured his first two starts around two turns, easily winning a Feb. 7 Santa Anita maiden event and notching a determined pace-setting score in Oaklawn's Mar. 19 GII Rebel S.
Baffert also trains Mor Spirit (Eskendereya), who holds the eighth spot on the qualifying points standings. Cupid's withdrawal from Derby consideration moves Mo Tom (Uncle Mo) into an assured spot in the starting gate for the May 7 Classic.
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