HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Skippylongstocking, winner of the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational in his 2026 debut, will scratch from Saturday’s Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap after having to be removed from his scheduled flight from Florida to California on Tuesday morning. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. reported that Skippylongstocking “acted up and started kicking” as the plane was taxiing to take off. The flight was aborted at that point, and Joseph said he believed it was in everyone’s best interests for his horse not to try to continue the trip. “We could have tranquilized him, but with the medication regulations I didn’t want to take that chance just four days before the race,” Joseph explained. “He’s never done anything like this before, so I’m not sure if it’s an indication there is a problem of some sort. I did receive a video of him getting off the plane, and physically, he appears to be fine.” Joseph, who is currently in Barbados for Saturday’s Barbados Gold Cup, said Skippylongstocking will return to his regular base at the Palm Meadows training center with any future plans still up in the air at the moment. :: Santa Anita Classic Meet! Get DRF Past Performances, Clocker Reports, and more. “Will look him over, start him back in training in a few days, and make any future decisions from there,” Joseph said. “Obviously, this is a bit of a curveball and very disappointing since he was likely going to be favored and it looked like a very good spot for him to pick up another Grade 1” win. Joseph mentioned the Grade 3 Ghostzapper on March 28 at Gulfstream or the Grade 2 Oaklawn Park Handicap on April 18 as possible options for Skippylongstocking’s next start.  Joseph is currently pointing White Abarrio to the Oaklawn Handicap. The 7-year-old Skippylongstocking increased his lifetime earnings to $5.46 million with his 1 3/4-length victory over stablemate White Abarrio in the 1 1/8-mile Pegasus World Cup on Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park. It was the first Grade 1 win and 13th lifetime victory in 36 starts for Skippylongstocking who is trained by Joseph for owner Daniel Alonso.         :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.