Kentucky Derby field is official with 21 horses, Pletcher enters five

Verrazano is arguably the best of Todd Pletcher's five horses in a 21-horse Kentucky Derby field.

Morry Gash/AP

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) Twenty-one horses have been entered for Saturday's Kentucky Derby, one more than the maximum field of 20.

The entry box closed Wednesday morning, with the draw to determine post positions 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 undefeated Verrazano, winner of the Wood Memorial. He's one of five colts trained by Todd Pletcher.

Pletcher also will saddle Overanalyze, Revolutionary, Palace Malice, and Charming Kitten.

Oxbow and Will Take Charge will be the record 46th and 47th Derby starters for Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, a four-time Derby winner.

The 21st horse on the points list is Fear the Kitten, an also eligible who would need a defection by early Friday morning to get into the 1 1/4-mile race.