Continuar, Skinner Scratch from Kentucky Derby 149

Fingers crossed, this year’s Kentucky Derby field is set. There have been three four scratches over the last 24 hours, setting the number of horses in the field at 20 19.

King Russell is the last horse to punch its ticket into the starting gate. Trained by Ron Moquett, Rafael Bejarano will get the mount for the 50-1 long shot that finished second to Angel of Empire in the Arkansas Derby.

King Russell replaces Continuar, a Japanese horse that drew the outside post No. 20 after finishing third in the UAE Derby.

“After evaluating the colt upon my arrival, I feel that he has not been able to reach the peak fitness
required to take on a race as tough as the Kentucky Derby,” said trainer Yoshito Yahagi. “Considering the future of the horse and the fact that we cannot show the horse’s true ability in his current state, we have decided to scratch Continuar from the Kentucky Derby.

“I am very sorry that I cannot participate in the world’s number one horse racing festival, however I sincerely hope to return to the Derby in the future. I want to thank everyone who has supported Continuar and Yahagi Stable on this journey.”

There’s still time for more movement in the field of 20. Last year Rich Strike did not get a spot in the starting gate until Kentucky Oaks day.

UPDATE: Skinner joined the other scratches horses on the sideline of this year’s Kentucky Derby.

Breaking: Skinner has been scratched from @KentuckyDerby 149 because of an elevated temperature. The horse was scratched by trainer John Shirreffs, according to Kentucky Horse Racing Commission stewards.

Story: https://t.co/fZ1reC1S9H

Field: https://t.co/2Nh1li4WeN pic.twitter.com/dalhHRQSqQ

— Churchill Downs PR (@DerbyMedia) May 5, 2023

Field for Kentucky Derby 149

1. Hit Show, 30-1, Manny Franco, Brad Cox

2. Verifying, 15-1, Tyler Gafflione, Brad Cox

3. Two Phil’s, 12-1, Jareth Loveberry, Larry Rivelli

4. Confidence Game, 20-1, James Graham, Keith Desormeaux

5. Tapit Trice, 5-1, Luis Saez, Todd Pletcher

6. Kingsbarns, 12-1, Jose Ortiz, Todd Pletcher

7. Reincarnate, 50-1, John Velazquez, Tim Yakteen

8. Mage, 15-1, Javier Castellano, Gustavo Delgado

9. Skinner, 20-1, Juan Hernandez, John Shirreffs

10. Practical Move, 10-1, Ramon Vazquez, Tim Yakteen

11. Disarm, 30-1, Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen

12. Jace’s Road, 15-1, Florent Geroux, Brad Cox

13. Sun Thunder, 50-1, Brian Hernandez, Kenny McPeek

14. Angel of Empire, 14-1, Flavien Prat, Brad Cox

15. Forte, 3-1, Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher

16. Raise Cain, 50-1, Gerardo Corrales, Ben Colebrook

17. Derma Sotogake (JPN), 10-1, Christophe Lemaire, Hidetaka Otonashi

18. Rocket Can, 30-1, Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott

19. Lord Miles, 30-1, Paco Lopez, Saffie Joseph

20. Continuar (JPN), 50-1, Ryusei Sakai, Yoshita Yohagi

21: Cyclone Mischief, 30-1, Joel Rosario, Dale Romans

22: Mandarin Hero (JPN), 20-1, Kazushi Kimura, Terunobu Fujita

23: King Russell, 50-1, Rafael Bejarano, Ron Moquett