Forte has first work for Florida Derby

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Forte, the early favorite for the May 6 Kentucky Derby, had his first breeze since winning the Fountain of Youth Stakes when he went an easy half-mile Friday in 50.72 seconds with regular rider Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard at Palm Beach Downs.

Trainer Todd Pletcher said he was very happy with how Forte has fared since his 4 1/2-length triumph at Gulfstream Park in the March 4 Fountain of Youth, which marked his first start since the colt clinched a divisional Eclipse Award by winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in early November.

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“I thought the work was super,” said Pletcher. “He’s very happy, moving great. He’s come back from a big race with really good energy and has another big one upcoming. He’s been doing all the things you’d want him to be doing. I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Forte, owned by Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable, will work once more at Palm Beach Downs prior to running in the Grade 1, $1 million Florida Derby on April 1 at Gulfstream.

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