Early Kentucky Derby Favorite Forte Scratched From Race

Kentucky Derby hopeful Forte works out at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on May 3, 2023. Charlie Riedel/AP Photo

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The early favorite for the Kentucky Derby was scratched Saturday hours before the race.

Forte was declared out of the 149th Derby, according to Churchill Downs spokesman Darren Rogers. No immediate reason was announced.