Pablo Del Monte withrdrawn from Kentucky Derby; field now at 19

Published May. 2, 2014 10:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky -- The Kentucky Derby field has been reduced to 19 horses after the owners of Pablo Del Monte decided to pass on the race.

Trainer Wesley Ward said on Friday the owners will wait to run in the Preakness Stakes on May 17. Ward bred and owns a 25 percent share of the colt.

Pablo Del Monte joined the field after Hoppertunity was scratched on Thursday because of a minor foot injury. Pablo Del Monte would have had to start from the far outside post in a field of 20. He was listed at 50-1 odds, and was to be ridden by Jeffrey Sanchez.

The No. 1 spot in the starting gate on Saturday will be empty and the 19 horses will use posts 2 through 20.