Fans arriving at Churchill Downs for racing on Kentucky Derby Day should prepare for cool weather, with high temperatures only expected to climb into the mid to upper 50s. Cloudy skies are expected to begin the day, with the sun peeking out in the midafternoon.
The scratch of The Puma this morning reduces the field for the Kentucky Derby (G1) to 19 horses. The first three also-eligibles start in the race following three earlier scratches.
Beyond those withdrawals, there are two jockey changes in the Derby, both on also-eligibles. Tyler Gaffalione picks up the ride on Ocelli, and Cristian Torres is aboard Robusta. Both of those riders became available when their initial mounts were scratched. The Derby, race 12, has a scheduled post time of 6:57 p.m. ET.
The first race begins at 11 a.m. The main track is fast, and the turf is firm.
Here are the day's scratches:
Race 1: #1 Bhatia, #9 Winston Ave, #10 Midnight Playboy
Race 2: #10 J J Grey
Race 4: #2 Haulin Ice
Race 6: #1 Brotha Keny
Race 8: #10 Great White (Runs in the Derby instead)
Race 9: #5 Blackout Time
Race: 11: #8 Astronomer
Race 12 (The Kentucky Derby): #5 Right to Party, #9 The Puma, #13 Silent Tactic, #20 Fulleffort, #24 Corona de Oro
Race 13: #6 Cruisin Chuck
Race 14: #5 Don's Winner
