The Virginia Derby lost a bit of its luster yesterday when morning-line favorite Nicanor, brother of famed Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, was scratched because of injury.

The first thing you have to understand is that Carol McKenzie won’t be driving six hours just to see a horse. The second thing is that Nicanor is not “just a horse.“ Barbaro’s brother is making his stakes-race debut tomorrow at the Virginia Derby, and it’s set an online community abuzz. Several dozen members of a group known as FOB—Fans of Barbaro—will head in from across the country to meet and watch Nicanor’s big race. McKenzie is from Chester, S.C., and will travel with a van of five other FOBs, none of whom she’s met.

Of the 10 horses in this year’s Virginia Derby, two are certain to warrant attention—one going for a $5 million bonus, another will be a sentimental favorite. Both fared well in yesterday’s post-position draw at Colonial Downs. The Derby, the track’s biggest race and one that offers a $750,000 purse, is Saturday. Racing will take place all afternoon, with the Derby scheduled as the 11th of 12 races, posting at 5:59 p.m.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro will be honored at the site of his greatest triumph a week before this year’s Run for the Roses. The track said today a bronze statue honoring the colt’s spectacular 6½-length victory in the 2006 Derby will be unveiled April 26. The announcement comes on the second anniversary of Barbaro’s death and two days before full brother Nicanor is to make his racing debut at Gulfstream Park.