Kera's Kitten scratched from Juvenile Turf

Owner Ken Ramsey and trainer Michael Maker have decided to scratch Kera's Kitten from Saturday's in order to run Dean's Kitten in the race. Dean's Kitten was on the also-eligible list, and needed one scratch to get into the race.

"We decided this morning that Kera's Kitten was a little bit away from running his best and we have a better shot with Dean's Kitten," said Ramsey, who also has Becky's Kitten in the race.

Kera's Kitten had won both of his starts, taking a maiden race at Kentucky Downs and the El Joven at Retama Park. Dean's Kitten is 2 for 6, having won a maiden race at Saratoga and the Vision Stakes at Belmont. In the Vision, jockey Ramon Dominguez dropped his whip and had to hand ride the horse through the stretch.

The decision to scratch Kera's Kitten caused some angst in the Ramsey family because the colt is named after Ken Ramsey's granddaughter, Kera, 8. Kera had taken off from school in Lexington to attend the Breeders' Cup.

"I'm sad," said Kera, who added she was happy to be in Southern California.

Ken Ramsey said he had to explain to Kera that "sometimes you got to put your best player in the game."

In Friday's Juvenile Fillies Turf, the Ramsey family will be represented by Lisa's Kitten, who is named after Kera's mother, Lisa.

"If she wins, Kera will help her mother lead the horse into the winner's circle," Ramsey said.

On Thursday, Ken Ramsey's wife, Sarah, had to be rushed to the emergency room of a local hospital after she developed pain from a problem with a catheter. She was released after four hours and was expected to attend the races Friday and Saturday.

The other also-eligible for the Juvenile Turf, Summer Movie, was scratched.

Entrants out of Breeders' Cup:

* Allegre - Turf

* Cherokee Heaven - Turf Sprint

* Kera's Kitten - Juvenile Turf

* Summer Movie - Juvenile Turf