First Mission Scratches From Preakness; Smallest Field Since 1986

First Mission was scratched from the Preakness Stakes because of a left hind issue, leaving only seven horses in the race.
The scratch comes after five horses were scratched from the Kentucky Derby and seven horses died during Derby week.
First Mission would have helped set an early pace for the race.
The 2023 Preakness Stakes will air live on NBC Saturday evening.
The Preakness field is the smallest since 1986 following First Mission's scratch.