 Deputy Minister started 1982 as one of the early favorites for the Kentucky Derby.He made his first start of the year on January 27 in the Bahamas Stakes at Hialeah Park as the even money favorite, but finished a well beaten fifth behind the lightly regarded Aloma's Ruler, who later went on to win the Preakness Stakes.After the race, Deputy Minister was diagnosed with a severely bruised and wrenched right front ankle.