Kentucky Derby 2026 Scratches

Louisville, KY — April 30, 2026
The 152nd Kentucky Derby 2026 is just days away on Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs. Two major Kentucky Derby 2026 scratches have shaken up the 20-horse field, paving the way for longshot alternates. Here’s the complete breakdown of who’s out, who’s in, and what it means for bettors.

Scratch #1: Silent Tactic Out with Bruised Foot

Trainer Mark Casse scratched Silent Tactic on April 29 due to a bruised foot. This Grade 3 Southwest Stakes winner finished second to favorite Renegade in the Arkansas Derby (G1). Fans hoped for his prep-season momentum, but Casse eyes a Preakness Stakes return on May 16.

Replacement: Great White (50-1 odds) draws Post 20, shifting horses in Posts 14-19 inward. Check the latest Kentucky Derby 2026 odds for shifts.

Scratch #2: Fulleffort Scratched Due to Chipped Ankle

Thursday’s bigger blow: Fulleffort, a 20-1 morning line horse from Post 19 under Tyler Gaffalione, revealed a bone chip via x-rays. Owned by St. Elias Stable and Starlight Racing, he earned 100 points winning the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) on synthetics—his dirt debut was a hot storyline. Trainer Brad Cox still runs Florida Derby winner Commandment and Blue Grass Stakes champ Further Ado.

Replacement: Ocelli (50-1, trained by D. Whitworth Beckman) enters from the also-eligible list after third in the Wood Memorial (G2). By Connect out of Zalia, he’s winless in six but gets his Roses shot.

Updated Kentucky Derby 2026 Field and Favorites

The field is locked at 20. Top contenders:

• Renegade (4-1, Post 1)

• Further Ado (6-1)

• Commandment (6-1)

• The Puma (10-1)

• Great White (50-1, Post 20)

• Ocelli (50-1)

Post time: 6:57 p.m. ET. Post 1 hasn’t won since Ferdinand in 1986—huge for pace analysis on the 1¼-mile dirt oval.

(Embedded: Official Kentucky Derby 2026 field preview video for live updates.)

Betting Impact of Kentucky Derby 2026 Scratches

Post shifts affect trips in this chaotic 20-horse scrum. Longshots like Great White and Ocelli boost exacta value. Visit TwinSpires for live odds and expert picks.

Stay tuned for final Kentucky Derby field updates and coverage.

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FAQ: Kentucky Derby 2026 Scratches

Q: Who were the Kentucky Derby 2026 scratches?
A: Silent Tactic (bruised foot) and Fulleffort (chipped ankle).

Q: Who replaced them in the Kentucky Derby 2026 field?
A: Great White (Post 20) and Ocelli (50-1 each).

Q: What are the Kentucky Derby 2026 favorites?
A: Renegade (4-1), Further Ado (6-1), Commandment (6-1).

Q: When is the Kentucky Derby 2026?
A: May 2, 2026, at 6:57 p.m. ET at Churchill Downs.