The Puma Scratched From Kentucky Derby With Leg Swelling

The runner-up in the GI Curlin Florida Derby, The Puma (Essential Quality) was scratched from the GI Kentucky Derby on Saturday morning after his trainer Gustavo Delgado reported that the colt had some swelling in his leg.

“We discovered some swelling in his leg due to a skin infection,” said trainer Gustavo Delgado. “It's incredibly disappointing but the swelling should go down within a day or two. It's just really bad timing.”

The Puma, the winner of the GII ESMARK Tampa Bay Derby in early March, is owned by OGMA Investments, JR Ranch, High Step Racing, TCC Stables LLC and Bruce Zoldan.

With the scratch, the Derby field currently has 19 entered.

Click here to listen to Gustavo Delgado Jr.'s reaction.

The Puma will be scratched from Kentucky Derby 152.

“We discovered some swelling in his leg due to a skin infection,” @GDS_Racing said. “It's incredibly disappointing but the swelling should go down within a day or two. It's just really bad timing.” pic.twitter.com/p4MUhpBIpY

— Kevin Kerstein (@HorseRacingKK) May 2, 2026