Sky Jack Retired after Sore Knee Flares

Sky Jack, the morning line favorite in Saturday's Cal $250,000 Cup Classic, has been retired, trainer Doug O'Neill said Friday.

The winner of the 2002 Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) as well as the 2000 Cal Cup Classic, developed a filling in his problem right knee Friday morning.

The 7-year-old grey gelding by Jaklin Klugman won the Longacres Mile (gr. III) by 6 1/2 lengths in his last start on Aug. 24. While enduring three knee surgeries and two bouts with colic during his career, he managed 10 wins in 18 starts and earnings of $1,115,127 for breeder/owners Rene and Margie Lambert.