SARATOGA SPRINGS – Barbaro “had a very good week,” chief of surgery Dr. Dean Richardson reported yesterday from the New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa., where the Kentucky Derby winner continues to recuperate from the fractured right hind leg he suffered in the May 20 Preakness and the laminitis (swelling) that infected his left hind foot in July.

“His blood work is completely normal, and his vital signs are good,” said Richardson. “I can’t complain.”

Barbaro, who began leaving his stall in the intensive care unit last week to graze on the lawn outside the hospital, continues to be hand-grazed for 20-30 minutes a day. He also is no longer using the sling that supported him for several hours a day after the laminitis hit.

“His comfort level has improved to the point that when he was in the sling, he wasn’t using it at all,” Richardson said.