Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin just confirmed what already had been suspected, that his promising 3-year-old Avery Island is now officially off the Derby trail after returning lame from a routine workout at Palm Meadows last Friday. 

McLaughlin sent Avery Island, winner of the Grade 3 Withers in his 3-year-old debut to Rood and Riddle Clinic for further evaluation earlier this week.

"He's out for 60 days then we'll re-check him over, but basically he's out for 90 days," said McLaughlin.  "They found some little stuff, nothing major, nothing that will require surgery. Just time off. So he's out of the Triple Crown and we'll hope he's a nice fall 3-year-old or 4-year-old."

McLaughlin said it's a tough blow to take, especially at this time of the year.

"It hurts some," said McLaughlin. "It's tough to get horses that are his type, especially going to the Derby. It hurts everybody connected with him a lot.  We're lucky we have another one, I just hope we can get there with Enticed. I'm just glad he's okay, because when they come back lame like that, you never know if it's career ending."

Both Avery Island and Enticed are owned by Godolphin.