The pre-race favorite for the 2023 Kentucky Derby has been selected. Three-year-old colt Forte has been generating a lot of buzz as the Derby draws near. The horse has been in the spotlight since he stunned the equestrian world with his prowess and an unprecedented string of victories. Forte’s supremacy is deserving of the attention it has received since he likely won’t slow down after winning the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Derby has been held annually since 1875, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious horse races in the world. A large number of horses have dominated the sport, but only 13 have ever won the Triple Crown, one of the sport’s highest honors and a feat that Forte might potentially accomplish.

The wingless Pegasus of the equestrian world

On February 3, 2020, the world was graced with the arrival of Forte. On May 27, 2022, in Belmont Park’s Maiden Special Weight event, the horse who would prove to the equestrian world that he is the modern-age Pegasus began his career. Forte didn’t amaze anybody with his pace, until he won his first race. In his second race, though, Forte finished fourth in the Sanford Stakes (Gr. 3) at Saratoga. However, the horse was not deterred, as shown by the fact that it continued to win races thereafter. After taking first place in the Hopeful Stakes (Gr. 1), Forte went on to win the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (Gr. 1), the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (Gr. 1), the Fountain of Youth Stakes (Gr. 2), and the Curlin Florida Derby Presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa (Gr. 1).

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The stallion’s recent string of victories has established him as a fan favorite for the next Derby on May 6. Based on his Equibase record, though, Forte doesn’t seem to be planning on retiring after the 2023 Kentucky Derby. The Preakness Stakes is scheduled for May 20, while the Belmont Stakes is set for June 10. Forte’s name would join the ranks of the other 13 horses in history that have won the Triple Crown, if he were to triumph in all three of these races. With just seven races under his belt, Forte has already amassed lifetime earnings of $2,409,830. The Triple Crown was last won in 2018 by Justify, and it may soon be grabbed by this year’s contender, Forte.

The anticipation surrounding the 2023 Kentucky Derby is over the roof, and with good reason: everyone is hoping that pre-race favorite Forte will turn in a stellar performance.

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