Kentucky Derby favorite Forte scratched from race: Who’s the favorite now?
Less than 12 hours before post time, Kentucky Derby favorite Forte was scratched from the race. It is the first time a Derby favorite has been scratched on race day since 2009, when I Want Revenge was diagnosed with a bad ankle. That year, longshot Mine That Bird went on to win the Derby at 50-1 odds.
The Todd Pletcher-trained Forte had been dogged by rumors after seeming to bobble during a Thursday workout. Pletcher waved off the speculation a day later, declaring his horse ready to go. The trainer then made the unusual decision to send Forte out for a race day gallop, after which state veterinarian Nick Smith examined the horse, as Pletcher and owner Mike Repole watched from afar. Smith eventually made the decision to scratch the favorite.
Tapit Trice, also trained by Pletcher, is the new favorite. He also has Uncle Mo, the second choice on the morning line, and Kingsbarns in the race, but Forte’s ouster is yet another gut punch for the trainer and owner who have not had good runs in Louisville. Though he’s entered more horses than any other trainer — 62 in all — Pletcher has won just two Kentucky Derby crowns.
Forte’s last-minute removal is a disappointing but sadly fitting coda to a Derby that has been plagued by bad news.
A week ago, Derby entrant Wild On Ice had to be euthanized following a morning workout. Later both Practical Move and Skinner, who initially replaced Wild On Ice in the field, were scratched with elevated temperatures. The trainer for Japanese horse Continuar decided not to run his colt because he didn’t think he was ready for the race and Lord Miles was removed from the race by the Kentucky Horse Commission while his trainer, Saffie Joseph, has been indefinitely suspended by Churchill Downs after two of Joseph’s horses died unexpectedly.
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