Breeders’ Cup scratches: Awesome Result is out of Distaff

Del Mar, Calif.

An 11th-hour diagnosis of a fetlock problem led to the scratching of undefeated Japan-based filly Awesome Result from the Breeders’ Cup Distaff on Saturday at Del Mar.

“Trainer Yasutoshi Ikee said, according to the vet, she has a slight issue with her left front fetlock from the vet’s check this morning,” said Mariko Seki, spokesperson for the Japan traveling party.

DeRosa: Thorpedo Anna is vulnerable in Distaff.

The exit of Awesome Result, a 4-year-old who would have brought a 7-for-7 record and 4-1 morning-line odds into the race, left only seven would-be starters. Long shots Miss New York and Batucada were vet scratches earlier in the week.

The makeup of the $2 million Distaff began to erode last Friday, when reigning division champion Idiomatic was diagnosed with a knee problem that led to her immediate retirement. Her showdown with four-time Grade 1-winning 3-year-old Thorpedo Anna had been highly anticipated.

When the drawn field of 10 was intact, Thorpedo Anna was installed as the 4-5 morning-line favorite.

These were the scratches for the Breeders’ Cup races updated Saturday at 12:20 p.m. EDT:

Race 4, Filly & Mare Sprint: 5 Pandora’s Gift, trainer scratch.

Race 5, Turf Sprint: 13 Nothing Better, also eligible. 14 Charcoal, also eligible. 15 Frost At Dawn, also eligible.

Race 6, Distaff: 3 Batucada, vet scratched. 8 Miss New York, vet scratch. 9 Awesome Result, vet scratch.

Race 8, Classic: 15 Rattle N Roll, also eligible.

Race 9, Filly & Mare Turf: 6 Ylang Ylang, vet scratch. Her jockey Ryan Moore replaced Frankie Dettori to ride Content.

Race 11, Mile: 1 Ramatuelle, trainer scratch. 4 Diego Velázquez, trainer scratch.

Race 12, Dirt Mile: 13 Pipeline, vet scratch.