Kentucky Derby favorite Forte pulled from race

Kentucky Derby favorite Forte has been scratched from Saturday's race, Churchill Downs announced.

The decision to remove Forte was made following a Saturday morning workout, with trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Mike Repole seen meeting with a state racing commission veterinarian afterward.

Forte has been listed as the 3-1 morning-line favorite to win the Derby and was at 4-1 before he was scratched. Tapit Trice and Angel of Empire were both listed at 6-1 prior to Forte's withdrawal.

Forte becomes the latest horse to miss the race, a list that includes Practical Move and Skinner, who both will not run due to elevated temperatures.

The Kentucky Derby is now set to be run with 18 horses. It would be the smallest field since the 2020 Derby, which was run in September with 15 horses.