Cyclone Mischief Draws Into Derby Field

With the May 4 announcement that Practical Move  was scratched, first also-eligible Cyclone Mischief  has officially drawn into the field for the May 6 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs. 

"We're glad to be in and hopefully he'll run big," trainer Dale Romans said. 

Scratch time for the Derby is Friday at 9 a.m. ET. Any defection submitted to the racing office before that time allows the next highest-ranked horse on the also-eligible list by Road to the Kentucky Derby points to make the field. Cyclone Mischief gets post 20, while everyone already assigned a post position outside of Practical Move in post 10 moves in one stall.

A son of Into Mischief  , Cyclone Mischief earned his 45 points from third-place finishes behind Forte  in the Fountain of Youth (G2) and Florida Derby (G1). 

"My horse is consistent and training really well," Romans said. "He's getting older, just turned 3 the last day of April, and he just keeps getting better and better. He's got speed, which is always dangerous. That's why I don't think the 20-hole will bother him. He can get out of there and by the time we get to the turn he'll be clear and get over."

Romans said he would decide Friday morning who will ride Cyclone Mischief. Joel Rosario was named at entry time but with first preference on Disarm . Javier Castellano was aboard in the Florida Derby but is committed to Mage .

Any further defections would open a spot for Mandarin Hero , the Santa Anita Derby (G1) runner-up, next up on the also-eligible list.