Bodog Beat

Kentucky Derby favorite War Pass is no longer a contender because of a leg injury likely to take the colt out for a few months. (AP Images)

One of our favorite’s War Pass, will miss next month's Kentucky Derby because of a minor leg injury.

Trainer Nick Zito said Saturday that X-rays showed a slight fracture in War Pass' front left ankle.

"It's unfortunate — it just wasn't meant to be, maybe," said Zito. "It's a shame because he has all the ability in the world. He's one of the best I've ever had."

Zito noticed something was wrong with War Pass during his pre-Derby workouts.

"We had some good days, but we started to get some bad days," Zito said. "We were getting to crunch time and I was getting these funny things, and I just couldn't get through it."

Zito said the fracture occurred recently and that a veterinarian suggested the colt probably injured the ankle in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, where War Pass finished second behind Tale of Ekati.

"The race took its toll, but when he got back to the barn… he was great — that's the heart he's got," Zito said.

War Pass was unbeaten in four races in his championship campaign and had one win in three starts this year.

Zito said equine surgeon Dr. Larry Bramlage would be consulted early next week. The trainer said it's too soon to know if surgery will be needed, but said the colt will likely be sidelined for a while.

"So what I've got to do is give him a few months off, see the healing process and go through all the motions," he said.

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