The feel-good story of Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas adding another GI Kentucky Derby win to his repertoire this year is not to be, as his GII Rebel S. runner-up Ethereal Road (Quality Road) has been scratched from Saturday's race, as first reported by Daily Racing Form's Marty McGee. The defection of Ethereal Road at scratch time for the Derby permitted also-eligible Rich Strike (Keen Ice), most recently third in the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks S. at Turfway, into the field. Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm, Rich Strike is owned by Richard Dawson's RED TR-Racing, LLC and is trained by Eric Reed. Sonny Leon has been tabbed to ride.
GI Breeders' Futurity winner Rattle N Roll (Connect) was behind Rich Strike on the also-eligible list and was also scratched.
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