Once again, the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) will not have a full field of 20 3-year-olds breaking from the starting gate later Saturday (post time 6:57 p.m. ET).
With the scratch of The Puma hours before the Run for the Roses, the Derby field was reduced to 19 runners, tossing a curveball to handicappers and casual bettors to make changes in their betting strategies.
Renegade remains the favorite at 5-1, followed by So Happy at 6-1, Commandment at 7-1 Further Ado at 7-1, Chief Wallabee at 9-1, Emerging Market at 11-1, Danon Bourbon at 14-1, Wonder Dean at 20-1, Potente at 23-1, Incredibolt at 27-1, Great White at 29-1, Litmus Test at 34-1, Golden Tempo at 36-1, Six Speed at 40-1, Albus at 50-1, Ocelli, 50-1, Robusta 50-1, and Pavlovian at 52-1, and Intrepido at 55-1.
Yes, there were four also eligibles, and three of them moved into the field after earlier scratches. However, since the latest scratch came after also-eligibles could be added, Corona de Oro (the final also-eligible) could not get into the field.
Since the also-eligible addition began in 2012 to help ensure a full 20-horse field, it’s only happened six times.
Last year, for example, the field dropped to 19 when Grande was a late scratch. In 2023, two late scratches – Forte (a favorite) and Skinner – reduced the field to 18 starters.
In 2020, the year Covid-19 moved the Derby to September rather than the first Saturday in May, the field was 15.
Twenty-horse fields occurred in 2024 (Mystik Dan), 2022 (Rich Strike), 2018 (Justify), 2017 (Always Dreaming), 2016 (Nyquist), and 2012 (I’ll Have Another).
With a 19-horse field, plus four scratches after the draw a week ago – The Puma, Silent Tactic, Fulleffort and Right to Party – the Derby odds are changing in a big way after three longshots drew in – Great White, Ocelli and Robusta – all at 50-1. For example, Great White is currently 29-1 as of 11 a.m. ET.
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