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6 BENEFACTOR D0UBTFUL DERBY STARTER 4 . LEXINGTON, Ky., April 7. Benefactors chances of starting in the Kentucky Derby on May 6 became extremely doubtful when William Hurley, trainer for E. R. Bradley, announced today that the good three-year-old prospect had wrenched himself in his last workout and had suffered a filling in the flexor tendon of his left foreleg. Final decision as to whether Benefactor will continue his preparation for the Churchill Downs classic will be made next Tuesday when Col. E. R. Bradley will return from his home in Florida. Meanwhile the son of Blue Larkspur and Patroness is being given light exercise. In reporting the colts injury,- trainer Hurley stated it did not appear permanent and although not serious, was of a nature to increase greatly the chances of a complete breakdown if the training program was continued. While skeptical that Benefactor can resume training in time to make ready for the Derby, Hurley was hopeful the injury would respond to treatment soon enough to permit a continuation of his preparation. Yesterday the improvement in the colts condition was of such marked degree that the Bradley trainer had high hopes he would have to miss only one trial with Benefactor, but the filling was just as pronounced today. He is being attended by Dr. E. W. Hag-yard, well known local veterinarian. The flexor tendon is located behind and just below the knee.
