Scratch allows trainer's Kentucky Derby dream to come true
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Scratch time for the Kentucky Derby and Oaks arrived Friday at 9 a.m. Eastern at Churchill Downs with the 11th-hour defection of Ethereal Road from the Derby, allowing Rich Strike (No. 21) to fill his spot in post position 20. Rattle N Roll (No. 22), the other also-eligible, also is scratched.
Kentucky chief steward Barbara Borden said trainer D. Wayne Lukas phoned the scratch of Ethereal Road into the Churchill racing office and that the colt was not scratched by the state veterinarian.
The last-second news was welcomed with great enthusiasm by Eric Reed, who trains Rich Strike for Rick Dawson. Reed, 57, had conceded with a text message at 9:02 a.m. that he would not get to run, but then he received news that Ethereal Road was scratched shortly thereafter.
“This is like a dream,” said Reed, who has trained for 37 years without anything close to a Derby starter. “We are so, so excited.”
Meanwhile, the only also-eligible in the Oaks, Beguine (No. 15), was scratched, leaving a full gate of 14 fillies set to go Friday in the Oaks (post time, 5:51 p.m. Eastern).
An early scratch time is employed partly to facilitate Friday advance wagering on the Saturday card and for two-day wagers such as the Oaks-Derby double.
Here are the early scratches for Friday:
Race 3: 2, 5
Race 7: 3
Race 9: 1
Race 11 (Oaks): 15
Race 12: 1A
Race 13: 2, 13, 14, 15, 16
Derby aside, the early scratches for the full Saturday card will be released Friday at 4 p.m. Eastern.