Trainer Doug O'Neill said March 19 that Reddam Racing Stable's Bond Holder is being treated at the Equine Medical Center of Ocala, in Florida, for the effects of laminitis.

Bond Holder was the best shot for this year's Kentucky Derby for O'Neill and owner Paul Reddam, who teamed to win the 2012 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands with I'll Have Another.

In a text message, O'Neill said the connections of the FrontRunner Stakes winner who had been on the Kentucky Derby Trail are "guardedly optimistic." O'Neill said the 3-year-old son of Mineshaft has been at the facility for about two weeks and is being treated by John G. Peloso, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS.

Laminitis is a painful inflammatory disease of the lamellar tissue of the foot, affecting the primary and secondary fingerlike extensions called laminae. The condition has many causes. Both front and hind feet can be affected, though the disease is most common in the front hooves