El Kabeir Scratched From Kentucky Derby

Justin Zayat of Zayat Stables has confirmed multiple graded stakes winner El Kabeir will not run in the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) at Churchill Downs.

The 3-year-old son of Scat Daddy   did not train the morning of May 1 and is dealing with what could be the beginnings of a quarter crack or abscess. He was scratched from the race around 4:15 p.m. EDT the afternoon of May 1.

Post position No. 1 will be left open (no horse) and all others will slide down with no gaps. Program numbers do not change, according to the Churchill Downs communications department.

Unfortunately El Kabeir has been scratched from the Derby. He was still not 100% this afternoon. Horse always comes first. @jazz3162

— Justin Zayat (@JustinZayat) May 1, 2015

The defection of El Kabeir from the field does not allow also-eligible Tale of Verve to run in the Derby, since the scratch was made well after the 9:00 a.m. EDT cutoff that allows also-eligible runners to draw in. A field of 19 will go postward including only one also-eligible, Frammento, who drew in April 30 after Stanford was declared from the race by his connections.

NOVAK: KY Derby—Stanford Out, Frammento In

Owner Ahmed Zayat, who also owns Derby morning-line favorite American Pharoah and another Derby starter, Mr. Z, said he feels bad for trainer John Terranova II; his wife, Tonja; and his staff, over the possibility El Kabeir might miss the Derby.

"I am heart-broken for the Terranovas," Zayat said. "They worked unbelievable with this horse over the winter."

MITCHELL: El Kabeir Did Not Go to Track May 1

Winner of the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill as a 2-year-old and two grade III stakes this year, El Kabeir was 30-1 on the morning line.