LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Fulleffort has been scratched from the upcoming Kentucky Derby due to a chip discovered in his left hind ankle, marking yet another exit from the competitive field of 20 horses just one day after Silent Tactic was also ruled out. This announcement was made by race officials on Thursday, leaving trainer Brad Cox to navigate the unexpected changes as the race day approaches.
Trainer Brad Cox informed The Associated Press that Fulleffort will require surgery to address the injury. An X-ray revealed fluid in the ankle, prompting Cox to act quickly as Fulleffort exhibited signs of lameness. “That’s part of the game,” Cox remarked, emphasizing the necessity of addressing the issue promptly.
With Fulleffort’s withdrawal, jockey Tyler Gaffalione will have to wait for another opportunity to secure his first Kentucky Derby win. Initially entering the week with three contenders, Cox now has two horses remaining in the lineup: Commandment and Further Ado. “I love ’em,” Cox expressed, highlighting that both contenders had a productive morning leading up to the race. “I’m excited about Saturday.”
In light of Fulleffort’s absence, Ocelli has drawn into the race from the also-eligible list. Trainer Whit Beckman shared that he received the news after Ocelli galloped at Churchill Downs early Thursday morning. “I kind of had the expectation all along that if you’re within a couple spots, you have a chance,” Beckman noted, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of race entries as the event approaches.
Beckman has been preparing Ocelli with the anticipation of participating in the Derby, particularly following a third-place finish in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct Race Track on April 4. “He’s been training great since we got back here from New York after the Wood,” Beckman stated, describing the colt as a mature and easy-going horse, albeit with a few quirks on the track. “It seems like we’re getting a little bit close to perfection every time.”
Ocelli’s entry follows Great White, who was added to the field on Wednesday after Silent Tactic was scratched due to a foot injury. Beckman, like Great White’s trainer John Ennis, expressed initial uncertainty about having a horse in the Derby but remained unfazed by the situation. “The certainty of it to me was more stressful because things can only go wrong,” Beckman reflected. “In this case, when things can only go right, if something did go wrong, well, it didn’t matter: We weren’t in the race anyway.”
As the Kentucky Derby approaches, the excitement and unpredictability of horse racing are on full display. The ability to adapt to sudden changes, such as injuries and last-minute entries, is crucial for trainers and jockeys alike. With Cox’s remaining contenders and Beckman’s Ocelli now in the mix, the race promises to be an exhilarating event filled with drama and anticipation.
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