LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The early favourite for the Kentucky Derby has been scratched hours earlier than the race.

Forte was declared out of the 149th Derby on Saturday, in response to Churchill Downs spokesman Darren Rogers. No speedy purpose was introduced.

It was the fifth scratch this week from the race.

The colt had found the observe throughout a exercise Thursday, though coach Todd Pletcher had downplayed it.

Five horses have died at Churchill Downs in latest days, together with two skilled by Saffie Joseph Jr. He was suspended by the observe and had his Derby horse, Lord Miles, scratched.

Kentucky Horse Racing Commission veterinarians have been at Pletcher’s barn early Saturday to look at and look at Forte, who galloped on the observe after which jogged exterior the barn. Co-owner Mike Repole was readily available, too.

Forte had a five-race successful streak and was the early 3-1 favourite. That leaves 18 horses to run within the 1 1/4-mile Derby.

It was one other pre-Derby disappointment for Repole.

He owned Uncle Mo, the early favourite for the 2011 Derby who was scratched the day earlier than the race. The colt had a gastrointestinal an infection and was finally recognized with a uncommon liver illness. He resumed racing earlier than retiring in November of that yr.

Other horses that have been scratched this week have been Practical Move and Skinner, each due to fever, and Continuar.

Pletcher, a two-time Derby winner, will nonetheless saddle Tapit Trice and Kingsbarns.

Post time for the Derby is shortly earlier than 7 p.m. EDT.

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