The defection of Macho Uno could leave the Ohio Derby down to a field of five. Possible derby starters include the Niall O' Callaghan duo of Horriable Evening and Woodmoon, Saint Damien, Unbridled Time, and West Virginia Derby winner Western Pride.
Last year's 2-year-old male champion Macho Uno, who was being pointed toward Saturday's $300,000 Ohio Derby (gr. III) at Thistledown is questionable for the race after suffering a minor bout of colic Saturday night. If he bypasses the Ohio Derby, the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) to be run one week later at Belmont Park is being considered as his next start.Trainer Joe Orseno said he planned to speak with Macho Uno's owner, Frank Stronach, later Tuesday and a decision would be made Wednesday concerning the champion's next start. Macho Uno, who won the Pennsylvania Derby impressively in his last start, galloped 1 1/2 miles this morning after galloping on Monday."Right now we are re-thinking our plans. He's doing fine. It's just a matter of being able to get him down there. He missed the first van down, so we want to do what's best for him," the New York-based conditioner said Tuesday.