BB,
A quarter crack is hardly reason for despair. As a matter of fact, it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. The little time off required should allow him to be handwalked, and get a little stronger for his eventual return. I imagine it being September, that should he be able to work in October, that he may have time to squeeze in a prep race for the Malibu, which certainly must be his first goal at the very end of December.
A quarter crack is certainly no reason to doubt that he will return. Theywere quite lenient with the time they gave him off, more than is usually required to bring one back from something like that. Sounds as if merv is doing what is right for the horse.