Roman Centurian will be scratched from Santa Anita Derby

Arcadia, Calif.

Because of a lack of energy during his Friday morning gallop, maiden winner Roman Centurian will be scratched from Saturday’s Grade 1, $750,000 Santa Anita Derby.

“We noticed that Roman Centurian was not his usual self, and his energy level was a little lacking for him,” his trainer Simon Callaghan said in a text message to Horse Racing Nation. “We will be running some tests including some blood work to make sure all is OK, and therefore we will scratch from tomorrow’s SA Derby.”

Callaghan did not rule out the possibility of bringing Roman Centurian back next weekend for one of the last two prep races with Kentucky Derby points.

“If all shows to be good with him, then there is every chance we will ship to either the Arkansas Derby (G1) or the Lexington Stakes,” Callaghan said.

A maiden winner who finished second in the Robert B. Lewis (G3) on Jan. 30, Roman Centurian was a distant fourth in his most recent start, the March 6 running of the San Felipe (G2). The $550,000 Empire Maker colt is owned by Qatar Racing and the Don Alberto Stable.

Roman Centurian had been drawn to the rail and was 8-1 on the morning line. His defection leaves nine in the race from which the winner will automatically qualify for the May 1 running of the Kentucky Derby. Medina Spirit had been established as the 5-2 morning-line favorite.