Louisiana Derby Winner International Star Scratched From Derby
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Louisiana Derby winner International Star was scratched from the Kentucky Derby the morning of the race. (Photo by Lou Hodges Photography)
By Tom Pedulla, America's Best Racing
LOUISVILLE -- International Star, the Louisiana Derby winner and a horse that loomed as a contender for many handicappers, was scratched from the 141st Kentucky Derby on Saturday morning.
No reason for the scratch was provided when Darren Rogers, the track's communication's director, made the announcement. International Star became the third starter in as many days to be lost.
International Star is 3-for-3 this season, having swept all of his Derby prep races at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. He appeared to be a great fit for the Derby because he prefers to come from well off the pace in a mile-and-a-quarter race in which a torrid pace is anticipated.
His absence left the Derby with 18 starters. Trainer Todd Pletcher decided on Thursday that it was best to find a different race for Stanford, who was replaced by Frammento, the first of two horses on the also-eligible list.
El Kabeir, winner of the Jerome and Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack, was scratched on Friday afternoon with an injury to his left front hoof. The last two scratches occurred after the 9 a.m. deadline on Friday to keep Tale of Verve, the remaining horse on the also-eligible list, from joining the field.