Puma Scratched from Kentucky Derby, Field at 19 Horses

LOUISVILLE, Ky. The Puma, a contender trained by Gustavo Delgado, was scratched from the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday morning due to swelling in his leg from a skin infection, leaving the field at 19 horses for the 1 1/4-mile classic at Churchill Downs.

Churchill Downs officials confirmed the late withdrawal less than 12 hours before the 6:57 p.m. EDT post time, after the Friday 9 a.m. deadline that would have allowed a replacement from the also-eligible list. The Puma had drawn post position nine and was listed at morning-line odds of 10-1 before bettors shortened him to 8-1. "It's incredibly disappointing, but the swelling should go down within a day or two," Delgado said. "It's just really bad timing."

The colt, owned by a partnership including OGMA Investments and others, won the Grade II Tampa Bay Derby in March before finishing a nose second to Commandment in the Grade I Florida Derby. The father-son training team of Gustavo Delgado Sr. and Jr. sought a second Derby victory following Mage's win in 2023.

This marks the fourth scratch in the past week: Silent Tactic on Wednesday for a bruised foot, Fulleffort on Thursday and Right to Party on Friday. Great White, Ocelli...