By Neil Schmidt
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LOUISVILLE - The Kentucky Derby isn't so much a footrace as a race to heal a foot. Day Three of Empire Maker's bruise news was a glowing report: "He's 100 percent," trainer Bobby Frankel said Thursday.

The Derby favorite still has a bruised right front foot but looked normal during a slow jog Thursday. Frankel plans to step things up with a gallop today.

"When you see him gallop, you'll see no ill effects," Frankel said.

The bruise was noticed Tuesday. The horse's hoof is being treated with an anti-inflammatory ointment and soaked in a tub of hot water and Epsom salts.

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He's wearing a "three-quarter" shoe, which leaves the affected area uncovered to make treatment easier but protects the rest of the foot.

Frankel said he has treated the horse with Butazolidin, an anti-inflammatory drug. If he runs on "Bute" Saturday, it would be the second time in his career, following a Feb. 7 race in which he finished second.

"This is no big deal," Frankel said. "We've just got to get the inflammation out and the soreness out."

DAY AILING: Pat Day, Churchill Downs' all-time winningest jockey, asked off his mounts Thursday for the third consecutive day after experiencing back spasms. But he's expected to ride My Boston Gal in today's Kentucky Oaks and Ten Most Wanted on Saturday in the Derby.

Day injured his back Monday doing chores at home. Skipping the past three days was a precautionary measure so he would be healthy for the weekend.

OAKS PREVIEW: Elloluv, who has finished first four times and second twice in seven starts, is the 5-2 favorite for the Oaks, the $500,000, 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-old fillies. Post time is 5:43 p.m.; ESPN2 will televise.

The Oaks horses, jockeys and morning-line odds, in order of post position:

1. Elloluv, Robby Albarado, 5-2; 2. My Boston Gal, Pat Day, 4-1; 3. Go For Glamour, Alex Solis, 20-1; 4. Holiday Lady, Jose Santos, 20-1; 5. Bird Town, Edgar Prado, 10-1; 6. Yell, John Velazquez, 8-1; 7. Lady Tak, Jerry Bailey, 4-1; 8. Atlantic Ocean, David Flores, 10-1; 9. Tempus Fugit, Shane Sellers, 50-1; 10. In Case Of Wind, Calvin Borel, 50-1; 11. Santa Catarina, Gary Stevens, 9-2; 12. Island Fashion, Patrick Valenzuela, 30-1.

E-mail nschmidt@enquirer.com