Kentucky Oaks: Scratch of Nycon leaves expected field of 13
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Nycon was scratched from tonight's Kentucky Oaks on the morning of the race, leaving a field of 13 to contest the filly classic.
Trainer Whit Beckman said Friday morning that there is no injury or real physical issue with Nycon, who was most recently fourth in the Grade 3 Gazelle Stakes. He said in recent days he had noticed some "inconsistencies" with the filly's gait which prompted him to take the conservative route.
"We went ahead and scratched her - there's just some inconsistencies we saw, and I'm not going to run a horse that's not 100 percent," Beckman said shortly after Nycon went for a light gallop on Friday morning. "She's had a great week all week, and as we've examined her with the vets, they've agreed ... The scrutiny is very heavy on everything, and we know what they're looking for, and they know what to expect from us. I just saw some things, and they agreed.
"We'll point her for the next race, whenever she's 100 percent ready to go, and that'll be that," Beckman added. "She has a very bright future. She's a young horse. These 3-year-olds, a lot changes from day to day.
Nycon was one of three also-eligibles when entries were taken for the Oaks, which has a maximum of 14 starters, last Saturday. All three ultimately drew in as the field changed throughout the week. In preference order, Lovely Grey drew in with the withdrawal of Bottle of Rouge on Sunday; Nycon drew in with the withdrawal of My Miss Mo on Wednesday; and Resist drew in with the withdrawal of Bella Ballerina on Thursday. Tyler Gaffalione was originally booked to ride Bella Ballerina, picked up the mount on Nycon, and is now left, again, without a mount less than 24 hours later.
The Kentucky Oaks will be run under the lights at Churchill Downs in prime time for the first time. Friday's card begins at 12:30 p.m., with the Oaks set for 8:40 p.m.
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