Kentucky Derby Favorite Forte Scratched Hours Before the Race

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—A Kentucky Derby of attrition took its biggest blow yet Saturday morning, when favorite Forte was scratched just 10 hours before the race.

Forte is the fifth horse to scratch since the field was entered on Monday. A sixth Derby contender, Wild On Ice, was euthanized after a fatal training accident last week.

The news came after speculation swirled for two days about Forte’s status. He stumbled during a morning gallop a couple of days ago, and rumors were rampant Thursday and Friday that the Florida Derby winner might not make it to the race. After a one-mile gallop Saturday morning, trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Mike Repole met with state veterinarian Nate Smith for a long and at times animated conversation. Shortly thereafter Forte, who entered the day at 7–2 odds, was scratched from the race.

This was the second Derby disappointment for Repole. Twelve years ago, his pre-race favorite, Uncle Mo, was scratched during Derby week.

Pletcher has another strong option in the race with Tapit Trice, who has different ownership than Forte. Tapit Trice (5–1 odds coming into the day) and Angel of Empire (6–1) may now become the top two horses with the bettors.