View From the Grandstand: Forte and the BC Classic?

By Bob Hill
TSV Feature Writer —-

It would be an understatement to say that 2023 did not play out for the connections of Forte as they anticipated. There are still knowledgeable people who make the case that he might have been the best three-year-old in training, wracked by bad luck and controversy. Evidence of just how deep the disappointment has become, some in the know are sure that Todd Pletcher will not enter him in the BC Classic three weeks from now.

Such a decision by Forte’s connections would be understandable and perhaps best for the future of the horse. He is no longer the pre-race favorite, and several other horses have thrived throughout the summer while either beating him or by running races superior to his best effort.

Irad Ortiz, Jr. road White Abarrio in his impressive coming out party in the G1 Whitney at Saratoga on August 5th. He probably will have a better chance as the mount on that one in the BC Classic than he would have being aboard Forte as the go-to jockey for Repole-Pletcher.

Cover Photo: Forte; Gulfstream Park Photo