Forte, a three-year-old colt, is set to make his Triple Crown debut at the Belmont Stakes on June 5th, 2021. The opening Belmont Stakes odds have placed Forte as a longshot, with a 30-1 chance of winning the race. However, Forte’s trainer, Steve Asmussen, remains optimistic about his horse’s chances.
Forte has had a relatively short racing career, with only four starts under his belt. He made his debut in January of 2021 at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, where he finished second in a maiden special weight race. He then went on to win his next two races at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas, including the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes.
Forte’s most recent race was the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, where he finished fifth out of a field of 12 horses. Despite the disappointing finish, Asmussen believes that Forte has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
“Forte is a very talented horse,” Asmussen said in a recent interview. “He’s still learning and developing, but he has a lot of potential. We’re excited to see what he can do at the Belmont Stakes.”
The Belmont Stakes is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. It is known as the “Test of the Champion” due to its grueling 1 1/2 mile distance. The race has been won by some of the greatest horses in history, including Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and American Pharoah.
Forte will be facing stiff competition at the Belmont Stakes, including Essential Quality, who is currently the favorite with opening odds of 2-1. Essential Quality won the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes last year and is coming off a win in the Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes.
Other contenders include Rombauer, who won the Preakness Stakes, and Hot Rod Charlie, who finished third in the Kentucky Derby. However, Asmussen remains confident in Forte’s abilities.
“We know it’s going to be a tough race, but we believe in Forte,” Asmussen said. “He’s been training well and we’re excited to see him compete at this level.”
In conclusion, Forte is set to make his Triple Crown debut at the Belmont Stakes on June 5th, 2021. Despite being a longshot with opening odds of 30-1, his trainer Steve Asmussen remains optimistic about his horse’s chances. Forte has shown potential in his short racing career and will be facing tough competition at the Belmont Stakes. However, with his talent and determination, he could surprise everyone and come out on top.
