Report: Class President scratches from Blue Grass

Class President, the Rebel Stakes (G2) winner, has been scratched from Saturday's Grade 1, $1.25 million Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, trainer Todd Pletcher told the Daily Racing Form on Thursday.

"Just didn't like the way he went today," Pletcher said by phone from Keeneland. "Not saying he's off the [Kentucky] Derby trail. We'll check him out."

The Uncle Mo colt, owned by WinStar Farm, China Horse Club and First Go Racing, had been listed as the 7-2 third choice on the Blue Grass morning line. He graduated at first asking going a mile at Gulfstream in December before a runner-up effort in the Swale in January. Class President then rallied past Silent Tactic in a stretch battle to capture the Rebel by a nose at Oaklawn in March.

His withdrawal marked the second defection from Saturday's Blue Grass field. Ocelli shipped from Kentucky to New York on Wednesday and will instead target the Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct on Saturday.