When trainer Bob Baffert decided to take another nuclear scan of The Factor before working him several days ago, it revealed that the colt had a slight hairline fracture of the hind ankle that he likely suffered in the Arkansas Derby (gr. I) but had gone undetected.
The ankle, according to Baffert, already is nearing the completion of the healing stage, and he should be ready for a summer and fall campaign, with the immediate goal the seven-furlong Foxwoods King’s Bishop Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga Aug. 27.
The Factor, owned by George Bolton and Fog City Stable, has won the San Vicente (gr. II) and Rebel Stakes (gr. II) this year, and was favored in the Arkansas Derby.