Preemptive Strike out of Breeders' Cup Steeplechase

Preemptive Strike, a top contender in Saturday's Grade 1, $200,000 Breeders' Cup Steeplechase at Far Hills, N.J., was scratched Friday because of an abscess in his left front hoof.

The scratch reduces the BC Steeplechase field to five, including likely favorite Hirapour and McDynamo, who has won the last two editions of the race.

Preemptive Strike will now point to the Grade 1 Colonial Cup on Nov. 26 in Camden, S.C.