Dry, breezy weather is expected for Kentucky Derby

After a rainy week and a deluge just after the Kentucky Oaks, expect a dry Kentucky Derby day at Churchill Downs.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a slight chance of drizzle before 9:00 a.m. EDT in Louisville and a slight chance of sprinkles from then until 3:00 p.m. EDT.  Most of the day should be dry and cloudy, with a high temperature of 65.  The National Weather Service is expecting a north wind between 10 and 13 mph, gusting to about 20 mph at times.

Kevin Kerstein of Churchill Downs stated Saturday morning that the track was rated sloppy as morning training opens, though he expects the track to dry out quickly with the dry weather and the breeze. Despite the showers on Friday, the turf will be listed as firm.

There were a few scratches for the Churchill Downs card announced on Saturday morning. She Can't Sing and Mona Stella have scratched from the Distaff Turf Mile (G2). Both ran in the Modesty (G3) on Friday: She Can't Sing finished fifth, Mona Stella ninth. Major Fed scratched from the Knicks Go Overnight Stakes. Lady Rocket, declared out of the Derby City Distaff (G1), is cross-entered in the Ruffian (G2) at Belmont on Saturday.

The Kentucky Derby field remains as it was Friday morning. No. 20 Ethereal Road and No. 22 Rattle N Roll scratched before the 9:00 a.m. EDT deadline on Friday, and No. 21 Rich Strike will run.