Forte Ends As Favorite For Inaugural 2023 Preakness Stakes Future Wager, But Can He Enter?

Juvenile champion Forte, who scratched as the morning line favorite from the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) the morning of that race, ended as the 4/1 favorite for the inaugural 2023 Preakness Stakes (G1) Future Wager. The pool closed approximately 1 hour prior to the running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6.

However, on Monday, May 8, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) released the following statement that puts Forte’s eligibility for the Preakness Stakes in doubt:

“The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has the following update on Forte:

Forte was scratched from the Kentucky Derby by KHRC veterinarians following Saturday’s routine soundness checks. As is the case with all KHRC veterinary scratches related to soundness, and pursuant to HISA Rule 2241(a), this places Forte on a mandatory 14-day veterinary list. After 14 days, the requirements for removal from the list include a satisfactory workout performed for a state regulatory veterinarian and a negative blood sample result.”

The final results of the 2023 Preakness Stakes Future Wager are below:

The 2023 Preakness Stakes is scheduled to be held on Saturday, May 20, at Pimlico in Baltimore, Maryland.