Kentucky Derby 2024 Horses: Contenders and Race-Day Overview for Entire Field | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Though Encino won't take part in race, Cox will still be well-represented in the field. The veteran trainer, who trained 2021 Derby winner Mandaloun, still has Catching Freedom and Just A Touch in the lineup.

Catching Freedom is among the semi-favorites, and will be guided by jockey Flavien Prat, who won the 2019 Derby atop Country House.

With Encino out, first-alternate Epic Ride will have a chance to repeat the stunning success of 2022 winner Rich Strike. Second alternate Mugatu is no longer eligible after the early-scratch deadline passed on Friday morning.

Rich Strike, of course, made history as an also-eligible entrant and a massive long shot. We could see history made this year as well.

Forever Young and T.O. Password will each have a chance to become the first Japanese Horse to win the Kentucky Derby. Forever Young is undefeated and resides among the favorites, but T.O. Password was reportedly the more impressive horse during the week.

"T O Password was far and away the more impressive of the two on Tuesday, exceeding expectations after seemingly a bit lackluster, and certainly not appearing to be the smoothest mover, since arriving at Churchill Downs last weekend," Mike Welsch of Daily Racing Form wrote.

Early favorite Fiercenss has a shot at history as well. The Todd Pletcher-trained horse drew the No. 17 post, a position that has, to this point, never produced a Derby winner.

The field will feature several long shots who are unlikely to win—including T.O. Password, Catalytic, Track Phanton, Grand Mo The First, Epic Ride and Society Man—but there are several horses whose victories would not be shocking.