Forte , whose connections are targeting the Nov. 4 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), has been dealing with a quarter crack on his front left foot.
However, those connections believe they can get the colt ready for the race at Santa Anita Park.
“Just trying to get everything right before we start breezing,” trainer Todd Pletcher told Daily Racing Form. “I think we’re still in position to get a couple of good breezes into him, but we got to get this in proper shape before we start doing that.”
Pletcher told DRF that farrier Ian McKinlay “patched the quarter crack on Forte’s left front foot and the horse has been training at Churchill Downs.” The son of Violence galloped at the Louisville track Oct. 1.
Forte, owned by Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable, last ran Aug. 26 in the Travers Stakes (G1), finishing fourth, eighth lengths behind winner Arcangelo .
Pletcher said his goal would be to get Forte three breezes prior to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, which would mean getting him working by Oct. 14.
“We need things to go smoothly from now on but I think we still have time to get there the right way,” Pletcher said.
Injuries have played a role in Forte’s 3-year-old campaign. Favored in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Forte was scratched ahead of that race with a bruised right front hoof.
Despite the health concerns, his sophomore campaign has been wildly successful, going 3-1-0 from five starts. Forte’s triumphs include the Florida Derby (G1), Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2), and the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2). Forte also finished second in the Belmont Stakes (G1).
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