The Factor, who disappointed as the heavy favorite in the Arkansas Derby in his last start, on Tuesday morning was officially withdrawn from consideration for the May 7 Kentucky Derby, co-owner George Bolton said. That leaves his trainer, Bob Baffert, with just Midnight Interlude as a Derby starter. Baffert over the weekend officially took out Jaycito because of a foot injury.
"The Factor is not going to run in the Kentucky Derby," Bolton said. "Bob Baffert did not want to work him on a sloppy track and we want point to races later in the month."
The Factor has been based at Churchill Downs since last week. He had been scheduled to work on Wednesday, but Baffert Tuesday morning said he was going to postpone that workout. On Tuesday morning, the Baffert-trained Gilded Gem was euthanized after suffering a catastrophic injury in a workout at Churchill Downs.
The withdrawal of The Factor was not unexpected, owing to a recent throat surgery, and concerns over his ability to handle the Derby's 1 1/4 miles. Earlier this year, The Factor won the San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita, and the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park.