AKABANTAY OUT OF FRIDAY'S BREEDERS CUP JUVENILE TURF

Aktabantay Declared from Juvenile Turf; Faithful Creek Draws In

V. I. Araci’s 2yo Aktabantay has been withdrawn from Friday’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf because of a sore foot. Trainer Hugo Palmer has expressed his deep disappointment at having to make the decision to take him out of the race.

“He worked and moved really well this morning and I was growing in confidence about his chances in Friday’s race. Unfortunately, that confidence did not last long as he was found to have a sore foot when he returned back to the barn and I had to make the decision to scratch him.”

“He will be absolutely fine and we are now looking forward to the spring and we will be aiming him at the 2,000 Guineas,” Palmer added.

The defection of Aktabantay allows Decadent Racing’s Faithful Creek to draw in for trainer Brian Meehan with jockey Kieren Fallon slated to ride.

The son of Bushranger has been kept up to his work since his arrival at Santa Anita and has pleased Meehan who has been trackside for the past two days.

“We all feel deeply sorry for Hugo Palmer and his team it is all very disappointing when something like this happens,” Meehan said. “We are obviously pleased to be getting a run but not in circumstances like this. Kieren Fallon who will be on board tomorrow got on the horse this morning and said that he gave him a really nice feel and we have the horse in really great shape.”