After Being Ousted Due to “Slight Hoof Issue”, Kentucky Derby Favorite Forte Aims for Prestigious Eclipse Award

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher is a master tactician. With a distinguished equestrian career spanning decades, Pletcher has rightfully established himself as one of the most successful trainers in horse racing history. As the curtains fall on an exciting first half of the horse racing season, Pletcher sets his sight on the future.

The Hall of Famer has a number of promising horses in his stable for the second half of the season. One particularly stands out. Pletcher’s focus centers around his prized champion, Forte, in a bid to secure the prestigious Eclipse Award.

Pletcher’s Crown Jewel

According to Pletcher, the 2023 pre-race favorite has already proven his worth on track on multiple occasions. But a slight hoof issue kept the star-studded performer from competing in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. According to a report by Horse Racing Nation, the Hall of Famer commented, “When you consider he won the Fountain of Youth (G2) and the Florida Derby (G1) and beat the Derby winner and had a less-than-ideal setup for the Belmont, to me he’s still the division leader.” Pletcher believes, like in every sport, you have to keep on winning in order to stay on top.

Forte, who is owned by American entrepreneur Mike Repole and Vinnie Viola’s St. Elias Stable, appeared to be a frontrunner for the Kentucky Derby. However, a slight hoof issue was enough for the state veterinarians to scratch the dark bay son of Violence. While talking about the authorities, the American said, “I think there is still a little bit of a misconception with the regulatory veterinarians that we were arguing their decision.”

According to Pletcher, Forte’s owner, Mike Repole was just asking for an extension of a few hours to look into the hoof issue. However, Todd claims that despite his team making progress, the concerned authorities refused to budge and were unwilling to change their decision. Apart from Forte, Todd Pletcher continues to work with his other prospects for the remainder of the season.

Pletcher’s stellar support cast

What sets Todd Pletcher apart from other trainers is his ability to spot and groom talent. While Forte takes center stage, Pletcher already has a strong lineup of a balanced support cast. Tapit Trice is one of them. He won the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) and finished a strong third in Belmont. Kingsbarns who won the Louisiana Derby is another prime horse frequented by Todd Pletcher.

Read more: Millionaire Trainer, Who Won Delaware Oaks in 2006, Restores Faith in the ‘Wholesome’ Update Before Showdown

By understanding the unique capabilities of each horse, Todd Pletcher curates tailor made training routines to maximize all his horse’s efficiency. It is through these practices that the 8x Eclipse Award winner has been in the horse training business for decades. Now, as the second half of the season unfolds, the Hall of Famer is well placed with Forte and his other horses to compete to the best of their ability.

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