Hail to the Chief clipped the bulb of the heel on a front while galloping at Turfway Park and will not be entered in Saturday's Grade 3, $250,000 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct, trainer Wesley Ward advised via text Wednesday.

Ward had been looking forward to trying Hail to the Chief at 1 1-8 miles in the Withers after the horse won a two-turn mile maiden race at Turfway Park.

The field for the Withers will be drawn this afternoon. It looks like there will be a field of eight, headed by Grade 2 Remsen winner Shotski.

Others expected to run include Max Player, Monday Morning Qb, Mr. Shortandsimple, New Commission, Portos, Prince of Pharoahs and Vanzzy.

The top four finishers of the Withers earn qualifying points (10-4-2-1) to the May 2 Kentucky Derby.

More later on drf.com