McAfee, the morning-line favorite for Saturday’s Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct, has been scratched from the race due to a leg infection. This means the horse will not be competing in the $150,000 race, which is an important part of the Derby trail. McAfee was expected to make his stakes debut in this race, but the infection has forced his trainer, Rick Dutrow, to withdraw him from the event.
Why Was McAfee Scratched?
McAfee, a half-brother to Kentucky Oaks winner Thorpedo Anna, was being trained by Rick Dutrow for a group of owners. He had previously finished second in a race behind Optical, a horse who had also been scheduled to race in the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn. McAfee’s injury, which is a small leg infection, led to the decision to scratch him from the Jerome. McAfee’s absence leaves a gap in the field for the race, but seven other horses will still be competing.
Who Is McAfee?
McAfee is a promising horse who was purchased for $40,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. His pedigree includes a connection to notable horses like Thorpedo Anna, who won both the Kentucky Oaks and the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. McAfee won his maiden race by 3 1/4 lengths in November 2023, showing strong potential for future races. He was supposed to make his first stakes appearance in the Jerome, a key race on the road to the Kentucky Derby, but the leg infection has prevented that from happening.
What’s Next for the Jerome Stakes?
Despite McAfee’s withdrawal, the Jerome Stakes will continue as scheduled, with seven horses still in the field. The race, which offers Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the top five finishers, will feature multiple stakes winner Studlydoright as one of the favorites. Cyclone State, another contender, is making his stakes debut after winning two straight races at Aqueduct. Ican, also trained by Rick Dutrow, will remain in the Jerome and will be competing for a strong finish.
The Impact of McAfee’s Withdrawal
McAfee’s scratch is a disappointing turn of events, especially since he was expected to be a strong contender in the Jerome Stakes. The Jerome is a prestigious race that offers Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the top finishers, and McAfee was seen as a potential threat. His absence leaves the race more open, with other horses now vying for the qualifying points that could help them secure a spot in the Kentucky Derby.
McAfee’s withdrawal from the Jerome Stakes due to a leg infection is a major development on the Derby trail. While it’s unfortunate for McAfee’s connections, the race will continue with a competitive field. The Jerome remains an important stepping stone for horses aiming for the Kentucky Derby, and fans can still expect an exciting race with several top contenders.
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