Cox's Derby Hopes Reduced as Fulleffort Exits with Ankle Injury
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby field underwent its second revision in two days Thursday when Brad Cox announced the scratch of Jeff Ruby Stakes winner Fulleffort due to a chip in his left hind ankle, creating an opportunity for maiden Ocelli to enter Saturday’s Run for the Roses.
The promising colt, who had impressed observers with his Churchill Downs training for what would have been his dirt debut, developed complications Thursday morning that ended his Derby dreams.
“Fulleffort had some pressure in his left hind ankle this morning. We took X-rays. He had a chip and he was off, so obviously he will not be running on Saturday,” Cox explained.
The trainer outlined a recovery plan that includes surgery to remove the chip, followed by a targeted return for the year’s second half. Despite the setback, Cox remains optimistic about the colt’s future surface versatility.
“Don’t want to put the cart before the horse here, but when he comes back, if he trains good, we’ll try the dirt,” Cox stated. “Unfortunate for the St. Elias team and the Starlight Racing team. The horse accomplished a tremendous amount in the last eight or nine months and I was looking forward to see what he could do on the dirt.”
Synthetic Success Story Ends Prematurely
The Liam’s Map colt built an impressive resume, winning twice on turf as a juvenile before pursuing the Triple Crown via synthetic surfaces at three. His 2026 campaign included runner-up finishes in both the Leonatus Stakes and John Battaglia Stakes before breaking through with his Jeff Ruby victory.
Cox’s Derby representation drops to two horses—Grade 1 winners Further Ado and Commandment—maintaining strong chances despite losing their stablemate.
Field Adjustments Continue
Fulleffort becomes the second scratch since Saturday’s post position draw, following Wednesday’s withdrawal of Mark Casse’s Silent Tactic due to a bruised foot.
Meanwhile, Golden Tempo appears to have overcome earlier concerns about cracked heels. After jogging Tuesday and Wednesday, the colt returned to galloping Thursday morning, suggesting he’ll take his place in the starting gate.
Tyler Gaffalione loses the mount on Fulleffort, who had drawn the far outside post 20.
Ocelli Gets His Chance
That outside post now belongs to Ocelli, who brings a winless record through six starts but earned respect with his third-place Wood Memorial finish.
“It’s a tough task, but we think this horse can compete with these other horses,” trainer Whit Beckman assessed, acknowledging both the challenge and opportunity facing his late addition to the Derby field.
