The Kentucky Derby field has been reduced to 19 horses following a late scratch that surprised many. Just hours before the scheduled start on Saturday, The Puma was withdrawn after officials at Churchill Downs reported a swollen leg caused by a skin infection. The decision came less than 12 hours before the 6:57 p.m. ET post time. Because the scratch occurred after the final deadline, Corona de Oro was unable to enter from the also-eligible list, leaving the field one horse short.
The Puma's Sudden Withdrawal
The Puma had been considered a strong contender, opening at 10-1 odds and dropping to 8-1 by Friday as betting interest increased. Trainer Gustavo Delgado Jr. addressed the situation, stating, "It's incredibly disappointing, but the swelling should go down within a day or two. It's just really bad timing." The news spread quickly, prompting fans and bettors to adjust their expectations.
A Missed Opportunity for the Delgado Team
This scratch was particularly significant because it involved the team of Gustavo Delgado Sr. and Gustavo Delgado Jr., who won the Derby in 2023 with Mage. They had hoped to repeat that success, but the health issue dashed those chances just before the race. The Puma became the fourth horse scratched this week. Silent Tactic was ruled out on Wednesday, followed by Fulleffort on Thursday, and Right to Party on Friday. After those exits, Great White, Ocelli, and Robusta joined the lineup. With The Puma out after the cutoff, no replacement can be added.
Focus Shifts to Favorite Renegade
Attention now turns to the favorite, Renegade, trained by Todd Pletcher. The colt has maintained his top position since the morning line odds were released last week. However, he will break from the No. 1 post, an inside position that has not produced a Derby winner in nearly 40 years. Despite historical odds, many believe Renegade has the talent to overcome this challenge.
Father-Son Duo Adds Interest
This year's race also features a unique family angle. Bill Mott and his son Riley Mott each have horses running, marking the first time since 1964 that a father and son both have entries in the Derby. This adds another layer to an already eventful race week.
A More Open Race
With the late scratches and a smaller field, the race feels more unpredictable. A top contender is gone, and several new horses have stepped in during the week. Fans now await which horse will capitalize on the reshaped field and triumph on one of racing's biggest stages.
