Fulleffort was scratched from the Kentucky Derby due to a chip in his left hind ankle, discovered through an X-ray after the horse showed signs of lameness. Trainer Brad Cox confirmed that Fulleffort will undergo surgery and is expected to recover and return to racing. This scratch reduces Cox’s Derby contenders from three to two—Commandment and Further Ado—while jockey Tyler Gaffalione loses a chance to win the race for the first time.

With Fulleffort out, Ocelli was added to the Derby field from the also-entered list. Trainer Whit Beckman, who has been preparing Ocelli as if he would run, expressed confidence in the colt’s recent training and maturity. Ocelli follows Great White, who also entered the race after Silent Tactic was scratched due to injury, highlighting the fluid nature of the Derby lineup as horses are replaced due to last-minute health concerns.