Forte Emerges as the Favorite for the 149th Kentucky Derby Despite Uncertainty and Tragedy
Forte, the 2-year-old champion from last year, is the favorite to win the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby, having won six of his seven races, with an impressive pedigree, Hall of Fame training, and a top jockey. However, his co-owner, Mike Repole, is all too aware of how quickly things can go awry in horse racing. He had to withdraw another 2-year-old champion, Uncle Mo, from the Derby in 2011 due to a gastrointestinal infection.
The uncertainty of thoroughbred racing was made apparent by the recent deaths of four horses at Churchill Downs, including Derby entrant Wild on Ice. Furthermore, four other Derby horses were scratched, the most since 2015, heightening concerns among the racing community about the fragility of the sport.
Amid this backdrop of uncertainty, Forte stumbled during a Thursday gallop, causing speculation about his fitness. However, his trainer, Todd Pletcher, assured fans that the colt was healthy and ready to run, and he looked forward to jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. riding him on Derby day.
The past four Derbies have been marked by drama, from the disqualification of Maximum Security in 2019 to the pandemic-altered 2020 race and the Medina Spirit drug scandal in 2021. In 2022, a massive upset by the 80-1 long shot Rich Strike captivated fans.
This year, the race celebrates the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown win, but the specter of tragedy looms over the event. Lord Miles, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., was scratched from the race after two horses from his stable died at Churchill Downs. Two other horses, not trained by Joseph, also died from leg injuries, including a colt scheduled to run in the Derby, leading to an investigation by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
Conclusion
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most highly anticipated events in the racing world, but it is also a reminder of the fragility and uncertainty of thoroughbred racing. While Forte emerges as the favorite for this year’s race, the recent tragedies and uncertainties serve as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in the sport. Fans will undoubtedly be watching with bated breath as the horses thunder down the track on Derby day.
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