Fusaichi Samurai injured, off Triple Crown trail

Fusaichi Samurai has been knocked off the Triple Crown trail (Michael J. Marten/Horsephotos.com)

One of the leading contenders for the May 7 Kentucky Derby (G1), FUSAICHI

SAMURAI (Fusaichi Pegasus), has been injured and is off the Triple Crown trail,

trainer Neil Drysdale said Friday.

"After his last work (six furlongs in 1:15 1/5 at Hollywood Park on January

21) he came out of it stiff in his left hind leg and pulled a muscle," Drysdale

said. "After talking with Mr. Sekiguchi (owner Fusao Sekiguchi), it was decided

not to continue at this time. This precludes us from (participating in) the

Triple Crown."

Fusaichi Samurai, a $4.5 million two-year-old in training purchase, broke his

maiden at first asking by two lengths in a 6 1/2-furlong maiden special weight

event at Hollywood Park on December 11. After the race, Victor Espinoza, who

rode the dark bay, called the colt "the best horse ever."

Fusaichi Samurai was under consideration for the San Vicente S. (G2) on

February 13.

"He had been training well and was very much on target," Drysdale said.