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| Sumita Pawar |
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Forte, a horse whose connections have their sights set on the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Classic has been dealing with a quarter crack on his front left foot.
However, the individuals involved in those connections are confident in their ability to prepare the colt 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."
According to DRF, Forte's farrier Ian McKinlay fixed the quarter crack on the horse's left front foot and he has been training at Churchill Downs.
Forte, who is owned by Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable, finished fourth in the Gr.1 Travers Stakes on August 26th, eight lengths behind the winner Arcangelo. Trainer Todd Pletcher's aim is to have Forte complete three breezes before the Breeders' Cup Classic, which means he needs to start working by 14th October.
"We need things to go smoothly from now on but I think we still have time to get there the right way," Pletcher said.
Forte's 3YO season was affected by injuries. He was a top pick in the Kentucky Derby Gr.1, but had to withdraw due to a bruised right front hoof. Despite these setbacks, he has had a great sophomore campaign, winning three out of five starts. Forte's victories include the Gr.1 Florida Derby, Gr.2 Fountain of Youth Stakes, and the Jim Gr.2 Dandy Stakes, and he also came in second place in the Gr.2 Belmont Stakes.