Dance Away Capote, Aspen Tree out of Oaks

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The field for the 131st was reduced to seven when Dance Away Capote and Aspen Tree were scratched Thursday morning at Churchill Downs.

The scratch of Aspen Tree was not unexpected, considering she also was cross-entered as one of the favorites Thursday in the La Troienne Stakes. But the scratch of Dance Away Capote was surprising and disappointing to Graham Motion, who said the late-running filly was diagnosed with a 103-degree temperature soon after he came to work early Thursday.

"Obviously, she has some sort of infection," said Motion. "If her temperature had been about 101, maybe we could've held out hope for running, but 103 is pretty significant."

Dance Away Capote won her last start, the March 26 Bourbonette BC Stakes at Turfway Park.

The remaining starters in the Grade 1 Oaks, which is set for 5:45 p.m. Eastern on Friday, are Sis City, Runway Model, In the Gold, Summerly, Memorette, Gallant Secret, and Rugula.