The State of Kentucky will have a role in Forte’s future.
After the morning-line favorite for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby was scratched due to a bruised right front foot, the Bluegrass State horse authorities have placed Forte on the 14-day vet’s list.
That means he will miss the May 20 Preakness.
FORTE UPDATE
The Ky Horse Racing Commission released the following statement 5 minutes ago about the morning-line Kentucky Derby favorite pic.twitter.com/jdHox4xPQh
— Steve Bittenbender (@BittGDCG) May 8, 2023
Per DRF.com:
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, citing a rule promulgated and enforced by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, said in a statement released on Monday afternoon that “all KHRC veterinary scratches related to soundness” require the placement of a horse on the 14-day vet’s list. Daily Racing Form had inquired about Forte’s status with the KHRC earlier in the day.
To get off the vet’s list, the KHRC said in the statement, Forte would need to complete a vet-supervised workout. He would also have to test clean for regulated medications that could interfere with veterinary assessments for soundness and for prohibited drugs. Horses are not allowed to be entered in races while on the vet’s list.
There is a likelihood Forte will not run in the Belmont, the third leg of the Triple Crown. Trainer Todd Pletcher indicated if the 3-year-old colt was to miss the Preakness he would be pointed toward the Travers in August at Saratoga.
