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INTERVIEW

Crown of Thorns injured, will miss Derby

OLDSMAR, Fla. -- The often-bumpy road to the Kentucky Derby claimed another victim on Saturday after the previously undefeated division leader War Pass finished seventh and last in the $300,000 Tampa Bay Derby before a record ontrack crowd of 12,746. Big Truck took advantage of the 1-20 favorite's disappointing performance to post a neck victory over Atoned in the Grade 3 event, which last winter served as a stepping-stone for Street Sense's eventual victory in the Kentucky Derby.

War Pass was in trouble right from the outset of the 1 1/16-mile Tampa Bay Derby, when he was crowded by Make Me Zach leaving the starting gate. Jockey Cornelio Velasquez was able to guide War Pass into the clear just behind and outside the early leaders once settling down the backstretch. War Pass remained in contention for six furlongs but began to struggle midway around the second turn and then steadily dropped back. He was not pressed by Velasquez through the final furlong

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