Injury forces Algorithms off Triple Crown trail

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Boynton Beach, FL (Sports Network) - X-rays taken of three-year-old colt Algorithms' right front leg have revealed a fractured splint that will require surgery. The colt's trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Jack Wolf put out a statement Tuesday afternoon.

"We are hoping that he only requires a minimal amount of time off," said Pletcher, "but he is definitely not going to make the Triple Crown."

Algorithms will have the splint surgically removed by Dr. John Madison of Ocala Equine Hospital.

"It is very disappointing that he will have to miss the spring classics, but we look forward to having him back in late summer or early fall. This really is the best long term option for Algorithms," Wolf of Starlight Racing said.

The fractured splint was discovered this past Sunday morning, requiring the colt to be scratched from that day's $400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park. The race was won by Union Rags in a four-length romp.

Algorithms began the year with a five-length win over Eclipse Award winner Hansen in the Holy Bull Stakes. He was the 8-5 morning-line favorite for the Fountain of Youth and is undefeated in three starts for $301,500.