Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just six days away.

Favorite out: Of course, the big news out of Churchill Downs on Sunday was the unfortunate announcement that likely favorite Eskendereya won't be making the walk over on Saturday. Trainer Todd Pletcher said this morning that the winner of the Fountain of Youth and Wood Memorial has filling in his left front leg, from his ankle to his knee. Pletcher, who said telling owner Ahmed Zayat was the "toughest call I've ever had to make to an owner," said he had believed Eskendereya's uninspiring gallops in recent days were due to the wet track at Churchill. The filling - likened to a human with a sprained ankle and extended swelling up the leg - was first noticed yesterday. Pletcher said his team worked on the injury and "hoped for a miracle" overnight, but when it didn't respond, he knew the colt would need to be withdrawn from the race. Further diagnostics will be needed later in the week, once the swelling subsides, to determine the exact nature of the injury and whether it is career-threatening, meaning the son of Giant's Causeway likely won't participate in any of the Triple Crown races. Eskendereya was viewed by many as perhaps Pletcher's best shot to end his 0-for-24 streak at the Derby. Without the favorite, Pletcher still has a powerful arsenal of starters in Louisiana Derby winner Mission Impazible, Arkansas Derby runner-up Super Saver, stakes winner and Florida Derby third-place finisher Rule and Risen Star winner Discreetly Mine. On the fence is San Felipe runner-up Interactif, whose best performances have come on turf and synthetics. Pletcher has also discussed starting Frizette and Bonnie Miss winner Devil May Care, who would be among the favorites in the Kentucky Oaks should he decide to keep her against her own sex. With Eskendereya out, which Pletcher said "swings the pendulum toward her running," first-call rider Johnny Velazquez is now available to ride the filly in either race. Without Eskendereya, favoritism on the morning line, released when post positions are drawn Wednesday, will likely fall to last year's Eclipse champion 2-year-old Lookin at Lucky, third in the Santa Anita Derby last time out.

Bubble watch: Eskendereya's defection strongly affects the makeup of the field, as spots in the starting gate are earned based on money won in graded stakes races. Fountain of Youth and Wood runner-up Jackson Bend is 21st on a graded earnings list that includes Devil May Care. If Pletcher chooses not to run either Interactif or Devil May Care, a spot would open in the field for Jackson Bend. If both don't run, Bashford Manor and Sanford winner Backtalk would be the next horse on deck to get in. A decision on Interactif could come Monday after his planned work at Churchill Downs, but Pletcher may wait until after the post position draw on Wednesday to make a decision on Devil May Care. Trainer Nick Zito, who also has Ice Box in the Derby said that Mike Smith will ride Jackson Bend should he make it into the field.

Last work: Hopeful winner Dublin covered an easy five furlongs in 1:02.80 in his final timed work before the Derby. With jockey Terry Thompson up, Dublin broke off behind stablemate Luv Gov and moved through fractions of :12.40, :24.20, :37.40 and :50.40, galloping out in 1:17.80 while eight lengths ahead over the sealed track. Although the time was relatively slow - Dublin has been known to fire bullets as of late - it was planned as an easy move and was encouraging after the son of Afleet Alex was extremely rank during his gallop Saturday when spooked by runners in the Louisville Marathon.

Smart talker: Bubble contender Backtalk breezed Sunday morning at Keeneland, covering five furlongs in 1:01.60 in company. With Miguel Mena, who will have the mount in the Derby should he enter, up, the son of Smarty Jones ticked off fractions of :12.20, :25, :37.80 and :50.40, galloping out in 1:14.40.

Crunch time: The consistent Noble's Promise, looking to rebound from a fifth-place finish in the Arkansas Derby, galloped Sunday and is scheduled to work Monday in company with Oaks hopeful Beautician. Trainer Ken McPeek said the work won't be postponed, as others have, due to track conditions, joking "he'll work in the slop and he'll like it." Noble's Promise emerged from Arkansas with a lung issue that left his Derby participation in doubt. He'll be scoped and a decision will be made following this crucial work.

On the slate: Scheduled to work on Monday are Lookin at Lucky, Conveyance, American Lion, Endorsement, Interactif, Noble's Promise and Line of David. Awesome Act is expected to work Tuesday.

Oaks watch: Potential favorite Blind Luck arrived late Saturday from her California training base and has settled in well. Ashland winner Evening Jewel, also based in California, is scheduled to ship on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Ashland runner-up It's Tea Time, already at Churchill, schooled in the paddock on Sunday. Wayne Lukas trainee Tidal Pool galloped two miles on Sunday morning.

Notes: Awesome Act's trainer Jeremy Noseda will finally arrive in Louisville on Wednesday, in time for the post position draw. The trainer has been stranded in England thanks to ash clouds from the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland. ... The American Turf, on the Oaks undercard, is attracting several horses who don't have the graded earnings to make the Derby field. Make Music For Me is likely to start, along with Santa Anita Derby runner-up Setsuko and stakes-placed Nordic Truce.