Fulleffort Dropped from Kentucky Derby Lineup as Ocelli Joins the Race
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Trainer Brad Cox’s plans to secure a second Kentucky Derby victory have been altered following the scratching of Fulleffort, who was withdrawn from the race on Thursday morning due to an injury. The Daily Racing Form reported that the colt has developed a chip in his left hind ankle.
"We’ll get that cleaned up and hopefully have a fresh horse for the fall,” Cox shared during an interview with FanDuel TV.
Despite Fulleffort’s withdrawal, Cox still remains competitive with two strong entrants: Further Ado and Commandment, both listed at 6-1 odds on the morning line. Cox previously won the Kentucky Derby in 2021 with Mandaloun, although he was not officially aware of the victory until several months later when Medina Spirit faced disqualification for a prohibited substance.
Fulleffort recently demonstrated potential with a convincing win at the Jeff Ruby Steaks on Turfway Park’s synthetic track. Although the colt has not yet raced on dirt, Cox had noted improvements in his training performance on this surface, highlighting his lineage; Fulleffort’s sire, Liam’s Map, won the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in 2015.
In light of Fulleffort’s absence, Ocelli, who previously held a winless record across six starts, will now join the race in the 20th post position. Ocelli’s best finish came when he placed second in a maiden race last year, and he most recently finished third in the Wood Memorial under the care of trainer Whit Beckman, with Joe Ramos set to ride.
Great White, having joined the race after the scratching of Silent Tactic, will now break from the 19th post position. There are also two additional horses on the also-eligible list, Robusta and Corona de Oro; should any other scratches occur before the 9 a.m. EDT deadline on Friday, one or both may enter the race.
