Twinkle Town Withdrawn from Hopeful Stakes Due to Injury
Trainer Kenny McPeek has announced that the promising colt, Twinkle Town, will not participate in the Grade 1, $300,000 Hopeful Stakes scheduled for September 6 at Saratoga. This decision comes after the undefeated horse showed signs of discomfort following a recent training session over the weekend.
During a five-furlong workout on Saturday morning at the Oklahoma training track, Twinkle Town completed the distance in 59.75 seconds. However, McPeek observed that the colt's movement was uncharacteristic and indicated soreness afterward. Although the exact nature of the injury is still being determined, initial assessments suggest it is not severe enough to require surgery, with possibilities pointing towards a foot or shoulder ailment. McPeek emphasized that given the horse's tender gait, he would not risk entering him in the upcoming race, prioritizing his well-being.
Twinkle Town, owned by Four G Racing, is a notable offspring of Take Charge Indy and has an impressive record of two wins from two starts. His victories include a dominant 6 1/4-length maiden win at Churchill Downs in June, followed by a six-length triumph in the Saratoga Special (G2) in August, where he earned an 88 Beyer Speed Figure under jockey Jose Ortiz. While McPeek had previously expressed intentions to aim Twinkle Town for the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes in October at Belmont Park, it remains unclear how this recent setback will impact those future plans.
The commitment to an athlete's health and long-term potential over short-term gains is a testament to responsible stewardship. This incident underscores the inherent risks in competitive sports and highlights the importance of making prudent decisions to safeguard the welfare of the participants, ensuring they can return stronger and continue to inspire with their performance.