Four horses were scratched in the days leading up to the Kentucky Derby, but the biggest shakeup hit Churchill Downs on Saturday morning. Forte, the betting favorite, was scratched just hours before the race.
The decision sent the betting market into a frenzy, and it changed the odds for other horses that might have entered the day with lower expectations.
The scratch reduced trainer Todd Pletcher to two horses in the running. Pletcher, a two-time Kentucky Derby winner, still has Tapit Trice and Kingsbarns in the race.
Forte joins Continuar, Practical Move, Lord Miles and Skinner as horses to be scratched during Kentucky Derby week. With only three replacement horses to fill the void, the scratches shrank the field from 20 to 18.
Here's what you need to know about why Forte was a last-minute scratch from the Kentucky Derby.
MORE: Biggest upsets in Kentucky Derby history
Why was Forte scratched from Kentucky Derby?
The state veterinarian decided Saturday morning that Forte could not race. There had been speculation that Forte was dealing with an injury after a video surfaced on Thursday showing him stumbling on the track.
It was confirmed on Saturday that Forte is dealing with a bruised foot and reacted when the veterinarian touched it during an examination.
from today's 5/4 works show pic.twitter.com/owFKJ2s08f
— Mayhemily (@EmilyOptixEQ) May 4, 2023
As recently as Friday, Pletcher insisted the issue wouldn't prevent Forte from racing.
"Everything's on course at the moment," he told reporters, acknowledging Forte took an unusual stumble but adding that he quickly bounced back.
Ultimately, the decision was taken out of Pletcher's hands after a workout and inspection on Saturday.
The buildup to the Kentucky Derby hasn't been one for the faint of heart. In addition to five scratches, five horses have died at Churchill Downs in the week ahead of the race.
While none were Kentucky Derby competitors, the shock could hang over the festivities and make this year's running more bittersweet than expected.
MORE: Complete list of all-time Kentucky Derby champions, records
Updated Kentucky Derby post positions
Here are the updated post positions for the Kentucky Derby following Forte's exit from the field:
| Post position | Horse | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hit Show | 33-1 |
| 2 | Verifying | 19-1 |
| 3 | Two Phil's | 8-1 |
| 4 | Confidence Game | 20-1 |
| 5 | Tapit Trice | 6-1 |
| 6 | Kingsbarns | 12-1 |
| 7 | Reincarnate | 15-1 |
| 8 | Mage | 20-1 |
| 9 | Disarm | 27-1 |
| 10 | Jace's Road | 39-1 |
| 11 | Sun Thunder | 37-1 |
| 12 | Angel of Empire | 6-1 |
| 13 | Raise Cain | 37-1 |
| 14 | Derma Sotogake | 8-1 |
| 15 | Rocket Can | 36-1 |
| 16 | Cyclone Mischief | 39-1 |
| 17 | Mandarin Hero | 26-1 |
| 18 | King Russell | 39-1 |
