Forte propels himself to Kentucky Derby favouritism with Juvenile win

FORTE, was given a wide run round the home bend by Irad Ortiz, following instructions from trainer Todd Pletcher to stay away from other horses in the field, the move paid off for victory in the race that is seen as a prep race for the following year’s Kentucky Derby.

He was a Keeneland November Foal bought by Silver Hill Farm from Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services for $80,000, a price that upgraded to $110,000 at the same sales company’s September Sale when bought by Redpole Stable and St Elias from Eaton Sales.

He is by the Medaglia D’Oro sire Violence, who stands at Hill ‘N Dale Farms, Kentucky and whose fee has increased to $40,000 for 2023 from $25,000, his price since 2018.