Second Horse Scratched from 2025 Kentucky Derby Due to Foot Bruise

A significant event unfolded a day and a half before the 2025 Kentucky Derby, with the announcement that Grande, trained by Todd Pletcher and owned by Mike Repole, has been scratched from the race due to a foot bruise. This marked the second scratch from what is often referred to as the most prestigious event in horse racing, following the withdrawal of Rodriguez just a day prior. Grande had been expected to start from the ninth position with odds of 20-1. The decision came after a week of optimism regarding Grande's health, as both X-rays and a PET scan yielded clean results. Repole expressed his shock and confusion at the state veterinarians' decision to scratch Grande, emphasizing the horse's marked improvement leading up to the Derby. This incident not only marks a disappointment for Repole, who has faced similar outcomes with horses in previous Derbies, but also contributes to the dynamic nature of the race, as the field now shifts to 19 runners. Maintaining a strong field is particularly important in a race like the Derby, where positioning can be crucial given the competitive, varied running styles among the contenders. The Derby, now heading into its 151st year at Churchill Downs, promises high stakes with contenders like Journalism leading with odds of 3-1, followed by Sovereignty and Sandman at 5-1 and 6-1 respectively. The absence of Grande, previously trained by Pletcher, adds pressure to trainers and jockeys, especially given the notable history surrounding the Derby. In the lead-up to the race, well-respected analysts such as Michelle Yu and Jody Demling have made their own predictions, with the former stressing the importance of race strategy, particularly regarding horses with similar racing styles. Notably, she has cast a wary eye on Sandman despite his success in the Arkansas Derby, suggesting that his chances could be hampered by how he performs at Churchill Downs. Moreover, Yu has highlighted Luxor Cafe, a 15-1 longshot with a growing reputation due to recent successes in Japan, while Demling has joined in predicting intrigue amid the fluctuating odds and unexpected outcomes that the Derby is known for. With so much uncertainty, both experts provide valuable insights for bettors and fans alike, especially for those interested in wagering as they navigate the last-minute changes in the betting landscape leading up to post time. This year's Derby is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of horse racing, where injuries and health concerns can alter the course dramatically, even in the final hours before one of the biggest events in the sport. As the 2025 Kentucky Derby approaches, all eyes will be on how these changes impact the race's atmosphere and outcomes. Will the 3-1 favorite Journalism rise to the challenge, or will an unexpected contender emerge in the absence of established favorites?