E. Paul Robsham Stable's homebred R Heat Lightning, probable favorite in the May 6 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I), has been withdrawn from the race after heat was detected in her right knee.
Trained by Todd Pletcher, the daughter of Trippi out of the Gold Fever mare Yellow Heat has finished first or second in seven of eight starts and earned $952,800.
“We detected heat in her right knee this morning and she was slightly off at the jog,” said Pletcher. “It’s unfortunate. She’s a very talented filly and has been training great. We’ve scheduled an appointment for an evaluation later this week at Rood and Riddle clinic in Lexington.”
Following a victory in the Davona Dale Stakes (gr. II) at Gulfstream Park the filly rolled to an 8 1/4-length triumph in the Gulfstream Park Oaks (gr. II) at odds of 3-5 April 2.
In preparation for the Oaks, R Heat Lightning worked a half-mile in :48 1/5 at Churchill Downs on April 30.