Forte looks and sounds like a Kentucky Derby winner

So much for my exclusive interview with Santa Anita Derby winner Practical Move. The guy didn’t want breakfast Thursday, spiked a fever and will not run in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.

I tried to reach out for comment from the Tim Yakteen-trained colt, but I didn’t get far. All I could gather was he’ll be treated with antibiotics and should be fine in a few days. Luckily the ailment was caught early and he didn’t race at less than 100% in the Derby.

This must be my week, though, because I was lucky enough to catch up with 3-1 morning-line favorite Forte, who’s won six of seven lifetime races and will benefit from Practical Move’s absence.

Don’t tell Forte that, though.

“Practical who?” the Florida Derby winner and last year’s 2-year-old male champion said outside his barn. “I mean, seriously, the next time he leaves his cozy little barn in California will be the first. I’ve won in Florida, Kentucky and New York. I wish him well, but he was just going to get in the way Saturday.”

Forte was gracious enough to answer a few more questions while sifting through a copy of the Daily Racing Form.

Inquisitive reporter: So who are you worried about Saturday? Who can give you a run for your money?

Forte: (Laughing hysterically) Dude, have you seen my résumé? C’mon. I’ve won three Grade I stakes (puffing out chest), beat that (Bob) Baffert pretender Cave Rock at Keeneland and I’m undefeated this year. They say Tapit Trice can beat me (another hysterical laugh). Did you see his race in the Blue Grass? He was all out to beat Verifying, whose next graded-stakes win will be his first.

Well, big guy, it’s going to be a 20-horse field. Horses with more talent than you have lost the Derby. Remember Point Given in 2001? He finished fifth in the Derby and then went on to win the Preakness, Belmont, Haskell and Travers. The Derby is no picnic in the park. Even some European trainers say it’s the most difficult race in the world to win.

Forte: (Rolling his eyes) Who did you say you write for? The Cambria Courier?

Forte: Get a clue, pal. You seen my races? I got some tactical speed. I’m not going to be lagging far behind with some of those tomato cans. When I’m third, two lengths behind heading into the stretch, you can get in line and cash your ticket. I assume you’re going to bet on me, Mr. News Group?

Don’t know yet. I thought Practical Move had a big shot. You seem to know a lot. Did you know he was the only Derby horse to have more than one Beyer Speed Figure of 100 or more (two)? Derma Sotogake (10-1) intrigues me a little. The Japanese horses have been coming over here and kicking butt lately.

Forte: (Doubling over with laughter) I didn’t even know they had horse racing in Japan. Dude, seriously, Derma Sotogake?

Forte: The UAE Derby? Is that some sort of joke? I mean, c’mon, man. If you wanna throw away money, throw it my way so my trainer (Todd Pletcher) can buy me some mints and other goodies.

OK, you’ve convinced me. I am going to lay a few bucks on you and pick you to win Saturday. You seem very confident. I know Todd has let you watch all the Derby preps and you seem to know more than I do about this race.

Forte: (Chuckling) Dude, a blind monkey knows more than you do. Do as I tell you. Load up on me Saturday, go collect and you can thank me later.

Forte: Luck? It’s the other 19 horses that are going to need luck. I’m already looking forward to the Preakness.