Kentucky Derby prep: Bullard is out of Rebel after spiking fever

Bullard will be scratched from Saturday’s Grade 2 Rebel Stakes after spiking a temperature, co-owner West Point Thoroughbreds reported in an X post.

Trained by Michael McCarthy, the Gun Runner colt won his debut in September then rallied to beat Madaket Road, another Rebel entry, in the Bob Hope (G3). In his only start since, Bullard finished third in the San Vicente (G2), which was won by Barnes.

He had been training at Santa Anita, most recently going five furlongs in 1:00.6 on Sunday.

Bullard was the third choice at 5-1 on the morning line for the Rebel and had drawn post position 10 in the 14-horse field.

Owned by St. Elias Stable, Talla Racing and Three Chimneys Farm in addition to West Point, he was purchased at the Keeneland September yearling sale for $675,000.

The Rebel offers 50-25-15-10-5 qualifying points for Kentucky Derby 2025. Bullard hasn’t earned any Derby points, but he was at 33-1 in Las Vegas futures this week.