2023-05-05 20:38:02
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — In the days leading up to the 149th edition of the Kentucky Derby, there was a change in the field. What didn’t change: Forte remains the 3-1 favorite to take Saturday’s race in an apparent open field of 19 horses.
Four equines were ruled out—Practical Move, Lord Miles, Carry On and Skinner—and three more are waiting on the eligible list to make the field. These are Cyclone Mischief, Mandarin Hero, and King Russell.
The winner of last year’s derby was a surprise: With an 80-1 chance, Rick Strike dove into traffic and barreled down the lane to win. The NBC replay was viewed more than 36 million times.
150,000 people are expected to turn out at Churchill Dows to watch the 1 1/4 mile derby.
Forte will start at number 15, having produced six winners. The dark brown filly is trained by two-time Derby winner Todd Pletcher, who also has second favorite Tapit Trice, 5-1.
Todd’s stable also includes Kingsbarns, to complete the impressive trio.
Forte was last year’s champion in the 2-year-old race and has six wins in seven meets, including five in a row.
“You might say it’s the deepest group we’ve ever come up with,” Pletcher admitted.
For the second consecutive year the Derby will not have Bob Baffert. The Hall of Fame trainer who shares the record of six wins is close to serving his two-year ban at Churchill Downs following he was punished when Medina Spirit failed a post-race drug test.
Baffert’s shadow continues to loom. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. was suspended indefinitely Thursday by Churchill Downs Inc. Two of his horses died following their races at this venue in the days leading up to the Derby. No cause of death has been given.
The new anti-doping and drug regulation measures that will be implemented by the body that leads the sport will begin to apply until May 22 following the Derby and Preakness.
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