Lewis Keeps Arbiter Out of Classic Field

(From track report)
Trainer Craig Lewis, saddened by the injury that took his Pacific Classic (gr. I) contender Arbiter out of the race, said Thusday, "This is as disappointing as almost anything I've ever experienced."

Choosing not to be specific about the injury, the trainer would say only it was a minor leg noticed Wednesday after the 5-year-old gelded son of A.P. Indy finished his morning exercise.

"He's too good a horse to take a risk with, and he wouldn't run his best anyway, so we want to do what's best for the horse," Lewis said.

"He's got a little injury. I'd rather not be specific, but he's just not going to be able to make it. He did everything perfectly coming up to the race. I really thought he had a legitimate shot.

"That's how horse racing is," Lewis said. "You have to be mentally tough. It's unfortunate (that he won't run), but he'll be back."