Finnick the Fierce Scratches from Kentucky Derby

One-eyed sophomore Finnick the Fierce was scratched from the Sept. 5 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) with an apparent foot issue. The decision was announced Sept. 4. 

"Ever since day one we have been watching this horse and I know that he travels a bit funny because of his eye. Maybe he is compensating," said Dr. Arnaldo Monge, who co-owns the Dialed In  gelding with trainer Rey Hernandez. "I didn't notice anything, but it is always the right front. That's the same side as his eye and it's always been that way.

"Rey rides the horse and said, 'This horse is fine' and that he didn't feel anything. But ever since he arrived, the vets have been keeping an eye on the horse and I've been telling Rey, 'Well, they're concerned about this.' There might be a legitimate reason why, but a regular vet doesn't seem to think so. I know horse racing is under scrutiny all the time so I understand not trying to risk that publicity."

The scratch will leave 16 runners and Max Player will now have the inside position, starting from the new Derby gate.

Born with a congenital cataract in his right eye, Finnick the Fierce has not allowed his lack of full sight to affect his performance on the racetrack. A multiple stakes-placed runner who finished second in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at 2 at Churchill Downs and third in the May 2 Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park, he was scheduled to start from the rail Saturday with Martin Garcia in the irons. 

"We're always trying to do the best for the horse so we made the decision (to scratch) because we don't want to go tomorrow and we're all excited and then he gets scratched at the post," said Monge."We love our horse and we would like to protect him. He has campaigned hard this year and he's continued to learn." 

Monge, who is a veterinarian with Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, said Finnick the Fierce will likely undergo a diagnostic evaluation at Rood & Riddle. 

"We'll have to see what comes out of this next diagnostic test. Just to be on the up and up, we'll probably send him to Rood and Riddle and get an independent opinion on the horse," said Monge. "If all is good, (the Preakness Stakes, G1) could be a consideration. Maybe the Breeders' Cup (World Championships). Rey wanted to turn him out after the Derby anyway but it will depend on how this comes out.

"It was an honor to be selected (for the Derby) but at the end of the day the most important thing is the horse. God has a plan, as I always say, so I'm not going to question what's going on. We will just keep plugging along."

Finnick the Fierce was bred in Kentucky by Paige Jillian Blu Sky Stables out of the Southern Image mare Southern Classic. He holds a 2-1-2 record from nine starts with $191,290 in earnings.