Reports: Kentucky Derby favorite Forte scratched

Kentucky Derby contender Forte and exercise rider Hector Ramos work at Churchill Downs Wednesday morning May 3, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. The horse is trained by Todd Pletcher. 2023 Kentucky Derby Horses

Reports: Kentucky Derby favorite Forte scratched

Mattress Mack has an awesome promo where if the Kentucky Derby favorite wins you get your furniture free. Check out the flyer below, then let’s look at how Forte’s scratch affects your free furniture!

Kentucky Derby favorite Forte was pulled from the race on Saturday by order of state racing commission veterinarians who found the colt unfit to race following an examination.

The Washington Post reported that co-owner Mike Repole said veterinarians were concerned about the horse’s bruised right foot. It was reported Thursday that Forte could have been injured when the colt took a misstep while galloping, but worries had been downplayed by Forte’s team.

It has been a difficult week at Churchill Downs. Four horses died in six days this week leading into Saturday night’s Derby. Two reportedly collapsed and died after racing last Saturday. Two others were euthanized due to injuries the horses received — one during competition last Saturday and one during training Thursday.

Forte was one of 19 horses set for the 149th Kentucky Derby. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Forte was to have been ridden by top jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.

Forte entered this week with six wins in seven career races and on a five-race winning streak, including victories at the Florida Derby in April and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in November. The colt was a 3-1 morning-line favorite to win the Kentucky Derby and was listed at 4-1 before he was scratched.

The horse went through a workout Saturday morning before Pletcher and Repole were spotted in a discussion with a state veterinarian.

Forte is the fifth horse this week to be scratched from the Derby field, joining Practical Move, Lord Miles, Continuar, and Skinner.

Never fear if you took the furniture bet. With Forte out of the field, Tapit Trice and Angel of Empire are likely to be favorites in the Run for the Roses. Both are legitimate contenders who should be very tough. Tapit Trice will likely be the favorite, but you can’t go wrong with either horse.

–Field Level Media contributed to this story

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