Always Sunshine has been scratched from the Grade 3 Maryland Sprint today at Pimlico after having an allergic reaction, according to trainer Ned Allard.

Always Sunshine was 5-1 on the morning-line for the Maryland Sprint. Allard ran a horse at Penn National last night and slept in his Delaware Park tack room next to Always Sunshine’s stall. Allard noticed the horse was unusually quiet when he was walked at 3:45 a.m. in preparation for a 4:30 a.m. van ride to Pimlico.

On closer examination, Allard noticed a hematoma on Always Sunshine’s neck, which necessitated that the 7-year-old be scratched. The horse doesn’t have a temperature and will be treated with antibiotics and antihistamines.

Allard speculated the hematoma could be the result of an insect bite. He said it looks like a hematomoa that could result from an improperly administered injection but Allard said the horse had not had any injections for his race.

“It’s disappointing,” Allard said. “I really thought he had a good chance today. I also feel bad for Carol Cedeno, who took off a bunch of mounts here to ride him today at Pimlico.