Ohio Derby: Two Phil’s, Lord Miles lead field of 8

Two Phil’s, runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, and Lord Miles, who was scratched from the run for the roses, lead a field of eight in Saturday’s Grade 3 Ohio Derby at Thistledown.

Trainer Larry Rivelli bypassed other options for Two Phil’s, instead working the Hard Spun colt at his Hawthorne base. He most recently breezed four furlongs in 51.8 seconds after two bullets at five furlongs, 59.0 seconds on June 8 and 59.8 on May 28.

Two Phil’s, whose last win came in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), drew post 4 and will have regular rider Jareth Loveberry aboard.

Lord Miles was scratched from the Kentucky Derby after the unexplained deaths of two other horses trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. at Churchill Downs. Joseph was suspended from Churchill Downs for the remainder of the meet, but Daily Racing Form reported that he has been given permission to have stalls at Saratoga for its upcoming meet.

Lord Miles earned his way into the Kentucky Derby with an upset win in the Wood Memorial (G3). He drew post 7 and will be ridden by Edgard Zayas.

Also in the field are Bishops Bay and Henry Q, who finished second and third in the Peter Pan (G3) on May 13 behind Belmont Stakes winner Arcangelo.

Hayes Strike returns after a win May 29 in the Texas Derby.