Virus Knocks Inamorato Out of Best Pal; Futurity Unlikely

Inamorato, considered by many the top 2-year-old prospect in Eoin Harty's talent-rich Godolphin Racing stable, will miss next week's Best Pal Stakes (gr. III) because of a virus and now appears unlikely for the Del Mar Futurity (gr. II) on the seaside track's Sept. 11 closing-day program.

The Tale of the Cat colt, a $190,000 buy-back from the Denali Stud consignment at last year's Keeneland September yearling sale, was an impressive maiden winner in his only start at Hollywood Park July 6. He had worked sharply for the Best Pal but Harty said Wednesday Inamorato had been knocked out by a virus.

"He won't make the Best Pal, and if he can't make the Best Pal, I don't see how he can make the Futurity," he said. Harty said a number of the 2-year-olds in his barn have been hit by the virus. "Basically, we're out of commission here,"he said.