Ava's Grace, a 50-1 morning line choice for the Kentucky Oaks, will likely be scratched from the race, according to Churchill Downs officials. Trainer Robertino Diodoro indicated he was dissatisfied with the filly's physical condition.
Daily Racing Form's David Grening tweeted that Diodoro had no definite diagnosis for Ava's Grace but was concerned about her right shoulder and planned to get a nuclear scintigraphy scan done. Nuclear scintigraphy is a useful tool in isolating potential sources of lameness or discomfort that remain vague in a traditional lameness exam. The procedure involves the injection of a harmless radioactive isotope, which will bind to areas of increased metabolic activity in the skeleton, showing bright areas or “hot spots” when the scan is performed.
Learn more about the typical process for lameness examinations here.\
Diodoro trains Ava's Grace for Cypress Creek Equine. The daughter of Laoban was bred in Kentucky by Southern Equine Stables and most recently finished second in the Grade 3 Fantasy behind Pauline's Pear. She also has a third-place effort in the G2 Adirondack to her credit. David Cohenhd been named to ride the filly, who had been the early speed in the field during her last outing.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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