Early Kentucky Derby favorite Forte scratched from race

The early favorite for the Kentucky Derby has been scratched hours before the race. Forte was declared out of the 149th Derby on Saturday, the fifth scratch from the race this week. No immediate reason was announced. Forte stumbled on the track during his workout Thursday, although trainer Todd Pletcher had downplayed it. Five horses have died at Churchill Downs in recent days, including two trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. He was suspended by the track and had his Derby horse, Lord Miles, scratched. Forte has a five-race winning streak and was the early 3-1 favorite.