Report: Westwood will be scratched from Big 'Cap

Westwood, who is coming off a win in the Grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes on Jan. 31, will be scratched from Saturday's Santa Anita Handicap (G1).

Daily Racing Form reported that trainer Peter Eurton said he is concerned about the 1 1/4-mile distance. Westwood, who was moved to Eurton's barn after the death of John Shirreffs last month, has not raced beyond 1 1/8 miles.

The 4-year-old gelding by Authentic will be pointed to the New Orleans Classic (G2), going 1 1/8 miles on March 22, according to the report.

Westwood is the second defection from the Big 'Cap after trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. decided against shipping Skippylongstocking after he had a problem boarding his flight to California.

The expected field for the Big 'Cap stands at five after the scratches. Westwood was the third choice on the morning line at 7-2. Brad Cox's Just A Touch is the morning-line favorite at 3-2, and Bob Baffert's Getaway Car is next at 3-1.