Perfect Drift injured

According to a report in the Daily Racing Form, Grade 1 veteran

PERFECT DRIFT (Dynaformer) has suffered an injury to his left front cannon bone

that has put his career in doubt. Owner/breeder Dr. William Reed said that a

decision regarding the eight-year-old gelding's racing future would not be made

for at least a few months.

Perfect Drift was recently diagnosed with a small crack in his cannon bone,

"maybe the start of a condylar fracture," Reed told the DRF.

In his last two starts, the usually consistent performer trailed in last of

10 in the June 2 Californian S. (G2) at Hollywood Park and a lackluster fifth to

Brass Hat (Prized) in an allowance/optional claimer on July 8 at Churchill

Downs.

Trained by Murray Johnson, Perfect Drift amassed $4,680,690 from his

46-11-14-6 line. He won eight stakes, chief among them the 2003 Stephen Foster

H. (G1), and he set a new track record of 1:54 1/5 for 1 3/16 miles when

capturing the 2005 Washington Park H. (G2) at Arlington Park. Although he was

winless in 15 subsequent starts, he often gave a good account of himself.

His resume boasts placings in 17 stakes, including the 2002 Kentucky Derby

(G1), 2004 Whitney H. (G1), three straight editions of the Stephen Foster (2004

through 2006) and back-to-back runnings of the Pacific Classic S. (G1)

(2004-2005). Amazingly, the bay competed in the last five renewals of the

Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), with his best finish a third in 2005.

The classy campaigner will enjoy rest and recreation at Reed's Stonecrest

Farm near Kansas City, Missouri, for the next few months. After his holiday, his

future plans will be revisited.