Forte, a vet scratch from the Kentucky Derby, is slated to return to action as the morning line favorite in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes.
The dream Preakness matchup of Derby winner Mage and runner-up Two Phil’s, plus the scratched Forte, is a no-go, with two of those out of the Middle Jewel.
Shortly after trainer Todd Pletcher indicated Forte was likely for the Preakness, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission appeared to spike that idea.
Forte, scratched from the Kentucky Derby by the state vet because of a foot bruise, looks to be on track for the Preakness, his trainer said.
Forte, the morning line favorite, has been scratched from the Kentucky Derby by the state veterinarian because of a bruised right foot.
Virginia races contested in Maryland played a significant role in the career of Va-bred Queen Caroline, who became the dam of Kentucky Derby favorite Forte.
Two-year-old champion Forte, who has continued to impress as a sophomore, is the 3-1 morning line favorite for Saturday’s 149th Kentucky Derby.
Forte’s rise to Kentucky Derby favorite has been a special journey for his breeder, Virginia-based Amy Moore, owner of dam Queen Caroline.
Facing adversity and an inspired foe in Mage, Forte nevertheless found what he needed to win the Florida Derby and cement his divisional lead.
Forte, last year’s champion two-year-old, looks to take control of his generation in a definitive way with a win in today’s Florida Derby.