Laurel River Scratched From Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile

Laurel River , who had been expected to be one of the favorites for the Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), has been scratched from the Nov. 5 race by Kentucky Horse Racing Commission veterinarians, according to the organization. 

The Juddmonte-owned Laurel River became a Breeders' Cup Challenge qualifier for the Dirt Mile when he won the Aug. 27 Pat O'Brien Stakes (G2) by 3 3/4 lengths at Del Mar, one of two starts and victories for the colt this year. He also captured an allowance optional claiming race July 31 there, which had followed a layoff going back to September 2021, when he also scored at Del Mar.

Garrett O'Rourke, general manager of Juddmonte USA, declined comment.

Horses aimed at the 14 Breeders' Cup races undergo multiple veterinary inspections leading up to the races, and annually a small number of pre-race scratch recommendations are made by the veterinary team in the interest of equine safety. Approximately 20 Breeders' Cup veterinarians are on site supporting KHRC regulatory veterinarians.

Laurel River was one of five horses entered by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert in the Breeders' Cup this year.

A homebred 4-year-old son of Into Mischief  , Laurel River is out of the Empire Maker  mare Calm Water , a sister to grade 1 winner Emollient. He has a record of 4-1-0 in seven starts with earnings of $314,620.

He had been the 9-2 co-third choice on the morning line for the Dirt Mile behind Cody's Wish  (5-2) and Gunite  (7-2).