Common Defense skips Kentucky Derby; Epic Ride next

HRN staff
Photo: Bentley Breland / Eclipse Sportswire

Common Defense, first in line for Kentucky Derby 2024 if there is a defection, will not run for the roses, trainer Kenny McPeek said.

The Churchill Downs media team reported that plans are to be determined for the Karakontie colt. The Louisville Courier Journal reported on X that McPeek said Common Defense missed a Saturday workout "due to a minor issue. Choose to take our time with him. Really nice colt with a big future."

A move to turf is likely, according to the Courier Journal post.

Kentucky Derby fair odds: These are the long shots worth a bet

Common Defense broke his maiden in January in his second start and is winless in three starts since, with a second-place finish in the Rebel (G2) bookended by fifth-place finishes in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and Southwest (G3).

Next in line for the next spot in the starting gate is Epic Ride, who was third last out in the Blue Grass (G1) and second in the John Battaglia Memorial for trainer John Ennis.

The Blame colt has a career record of 5: 2-2-1 with earnings of $345,450.

Read More

Derby prep guide: Blue Grass, Wood and Santa Anita Derby
Saturday marks the end of the road to the Kentucky Derby , with the final three major prep...
Vets scratch 21 horses at Santa Anita, Aqueduct, Keeneland
Lexington, Ky. On a big stakes day highlighted by climactic Kentucky Derby preps, there were no fewer than...
Further Ado, Paradise may join Cox’s Derby, Oaks lists
Lexington, Ky. Brad Cox already has Commandment and Fulleffort qualified for Kentucky Derby 2026 . Life of Joy...
Kentucky Oaks prep: Percy’s Bar upsets Zany in Ashland
Lexington, Ky. Pick and roll. Hit and run. Run-pass option. Throw in horse racing’s version. Cut the corner....
Saturday works: Journalism drills ahead of return
Journalism breezed five furlongs in 1:01.6 at Santa Anita on Saturday morning, recording the sixth-fastest of nine works...