Vet gives Frankel green light to run Empire Maker in the Derby.
It was learned this morning that Kentucky Derby favorite Empire Maker has been battling a minor foot bruise since his victory in the Wood Memorial. After examining the colt following his 6:45 jog, veterinarian Ken Reed told Frankel the colt should be fine."The track was sealed for the Wood, and there were other horses who came down bruises," Frankel said. "When he first arrived here, he had a little pulse in his right front foot, and blacksmith Steve Norman put on a three-quarter shoe to relieve some of the pressure. We've been tubbing it and he's trained beautifully. This morning he was a little stiff when he started his jog, so we had Dr. Reed look at it, and he said it was nothing to worry about. He won't miss a day of training, and he'll be fine.. I'm not worried."Empire Maker had a sharp work on Sunday, going six furlongs in company in 1:12 3/5. "He worked great, and he came out of the work great, so the bruise certainly wasn't bothering him then," Frankel said.Frankel said Empire Maker will walk Wednesday, jog Thursday, and gallop Friday.
