Hoppertunity Scratched?

[jagger]

Just heard he scratched. No news on replacement yet.

[jagger]

Pablo Del Monte I guess

[Patuxet]

How does this effect post positions? Will #12 (Dance With Fate) through #20 *Wicked Strong) all move over one stall and Pablo Del Monte automatically take #20? Seems only fair.

[TJ]

How does this effect post positions? Will #12 (Dance With Fate) through #20 *Wicked Strong) all move over one stall and Pablo Del Monte automatically take #20? Seems only fair.

Hi Patuxet,
Yes, they all move in one and PABLO DEL MONTE will assume the 20 post position. I believe he will have a major impact on the pace of this years Derby. He won't hesitate leaving there. TJ

[Jorge]

Now that Hoppertunity has stepped down, thus permitting
Pablo del Monte to ascend to echelon number 20, I ask:

If more horses are "scratched", does that open the possibility for
"stand-by" aspirants (№21, №22, №23...) to step in and refill
the starting gate up to a 20-horse field? Or the race will be
celebrated with fewer than 20 equines?

Thanks for your answers.

[TJ]

Now that Hoppertunity has stepped down, thus permitting
Pablo del Monte to ascend to echelon number 20, I ask:

If more horses are "scratched", does that open the possibility for
"stand-by" aspirants (№21, №22, №23...) to step in and refill
the starting gate up to a 20-horse field? Or the race will be
celebrated with fewer than 20 equines?

Thanks for your answers.

Hi Jorge,
They allowed 24 horses to enter the Derby this year and have a 4 horse also eligible list. After entries for the Derby closed on Wednesday April 30th only 21 horses entered, which left one horse on the also eligible list, Pablo Del Monte. Therefore, if we get more scratches, the Derby will have less then 20 starters this year. Pablo Del Monte will run as program number 21. TJ

[Jorge]

[Hi Jorge,
They allowed 24 horses to enter the Derby this year and have a 4 horse also eligible list. After entries for the Derby closed on Wednesday April 30th only 21 horses entered, which left one horse on the also eligible list, Pablo Del Monte. Therefore, if we get more scratches, the Derby will have less then 20 starters this year. Pablo Del Monte will run as program number 21. TJ

TJ,

I earnestly appreciate the clarification. Thanks for your thoughtfulness!!

In spite of the fact that California Chrome has well-earned
his role as favorite, this year's Kentucky Derby looks very
balanced for the non-prohibitive aspirants if a scintillating
pace unravels, thus affecting the legitimate near-pace late
rushers ---due to some other jockeys' inexperience!
Hypothetically, even thru the mid 20s! In fact, the casual
late inclusion of Pablo del Monte may trigger a scintillating pace, thus
benefitting a very unexpected late rusher.