Saffie Joseph Horses Scratched, Shaking Up Kentucky Derby Field

Two new horses entered the Kentucky Derby field on Thursday. The latest shake up is the result of two thoroughbred fatalities at Churchill Downs.

In the first five days of the spring meet, four horses suffered catastrophic injuries at Churchill Downs. Two of those horses were trained by Saffie Joseph. There was no clear explanation as to why either of the trainer’s horses broke down.

While the investigation in the deaths continue, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and Board of Stewards scratched every one of Saffie Joseph’s horses racing this weekend at Churchill Downs. That includes Kentucky Derby entry Lord Miles.

UPDATE: Saffie Joseph has now been suspended indefinitely from operating at any tracks owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated following the “highly unusual deaths.”

Lord Miles scratched from @KentuckyDerby 149. pic.twitter.com/gIfaM1M7qk

— Churchill Downs PR (@DerbyMedia) May 4, 2023

Lord Miles was an upset winner in the Wood Memorial, beating out Hit Show as a 59-1 long shot.

With Lord Miles out of the race, it paves the way for Mandarin Hero to enter the field. Now the third Japanese horse running in Kentucky Derby 149, many handicappers are rejoicing. The horse posted an impressive triple digit speed figure in a second-place Santa Anita Derby finish.

The horse that defeated Mandarin Hero in California, Practical Move, was also scratched Thursday morning.

“We spiked a temperature,” trainer Tim Yakteen told the Daily Racing Form. “It started climbing right after training when we do our due diligence. He didn’t jump into the feed tub like he usually does. We temp our horses routinely, that’s when it was recognized.”

Cyclone Mischief is filling in Practical Move’s horseshoes. Trained by Dale Romans, Cyclone Mischief finished third in both the Fountain of Youth and the Florida Derby. Joel Rosario will get the Kentucky Derby ride aboard the colt out of Into Mischief.

Typically, late scratches do not raise too many eyebrows. The circumstances for Lord Miles’ departure certainly change that. Also, remember who was a late addition to the Kentucky Derby field in 2022? The 80-1 winner of the race, Rich Strike.