R Heat Lightning was declared out of Friday’s Kentucky Oaks after heat was detected in her right front leg.

R Heat Lightning was expected to be among the favorites for the Kentucky Oaks. She appeared to jog fine over the Churchill Downs track in the morning but was found to be ailing shortly upon her return to the shedrow.

“We noticed back at the barn that she seemed to be just a little off in her right front,” Pletcher said. “We checked her and could feel some heat in her right knee. We consulted with her owner’s people and the decision was made to withdraw her from the race.”