Kentucky Derby entry box full with surprise late entry; Pletcher has 4 entries and Baffert 2

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Twenty-two horses have been entered for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, two more than the maximum field of 20.

The entry box closed Wednesday morning, with the surprise late entry of Tale of Verve. The draw to determine post positions is set for later in the afternoon. The field is limited to the top 20 horses based on points earned in designated prep races.

Leading the way is expected favourite American Pharoah, winner of the Arkansas Derby. The colt is trained by three-time Derby winner Bob Baffert, who will also saddle likely second favourite Dortmund, undefeated at 6-0.

Todd Pletcher will saddle four horses: Blue Grass winner Carpe Diem, Florida Derby winner Materiality, Itsaknockout and Louisiana Derby runner-up Stanford.

The 21st horse on the points list is Frammento, who was fourth in the Blue Grass and is trained by two-time Derby winner Nick Zito. Tale of Verve is 1 for 6 in his career and has never run in a stakes race for trainer Dallas Stewart.

They would need a defection by early Friday morning to get into the 1 1/4-mile race.

Other entries are Louisiana Derby winner International Star, Wood Memorial winner Frosted, UAE Derby winner Mubtaahij, El Kabeir, Upstart, Far Right, Sunland Derby winner Firing Line, Danzig Moon, War Story, Tencendur, Mr. Z, Ocho Ocho Ocho, Bolo and Keen Ice.