[asudevil]

Eskendereya had a workout planned for Saturday postponed because of wet weather, and while Eskendereya did have a routine gallop, there is at least circumstantial evidence that Pletcher is trying to nurse Eskendereya through some issues. After training hours on Saturday, every horse at Pletcher's barn who was walking the shed row had their training bandages removed except for Eskendereya. This follows a postponed final prep, from the Florida Derby to the Wood Memorial two weeks later, and the addition of front bandages for the Wood Memorial.

"The last two races," Pletcher said, referring to runaway victories by Eskendereya in the Wood and Fountain of Youth Stakes, "he has separated himself from everyone. There's still a long ways to go. We're keeping our fingers crossed all the time."