Haikal, winner of the Gotham (G3) and third in the Wood Memorial (G2), will be scratched from Saturday’s Kentucky Derby (G1) due to a foot abscess. That leaves a field of 19 for the 1 1/4-mile classic.
With the scratch, all horses in the main gate will shift out one spot. For example, War of Will will still be considered as starting from the number 1 post position, but will be loaded and break from stall 2.
In another Derby development, Mike Smith has been named to ride Cutting Humor, replacing Corey Lanerie. Smith became available after the scratch on Wednesday of morning line favorite Omaha Beach.