Forte Disqualified From '22 Hopeful; Pletcher Suspended ?

Question

According to an attorney for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, Forte has been disqualified from a victory in the 2022 Hopeful Stakes (G1) for testing positive for meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
        Why do they bring this up now? Why was he not dq`d after theHopeful ?
   Sounds like some kind of conspiracy to keep Forte out of The Triple crown Races !!
        Thoughts? Help me out SANDYGIRL!

Answer 1

Unfortunately, Blue Jay,  that's our legal system. I agree, it should have been adjudicated months ago, and would have if not for the repeated delays by Pletcher's lawyers. Delays may protect him as well. We don't know until we do. I'm finding this quite disturbing because Pletcher's integrity is/was one of the best in the industry. All this recent craziness could be very well a set up by a disgruntle person or persons within the industry or from someone suspended or banned from racing. It very suspicious. The truth will prevail. Unfortunately, a deep investigation will take time. Forte's connections will most likely continue to delay the proceeding until they know more one way or another.

As of now our New York racing officials have withheld the $165,000 first-place check for the Hopeful from Repole and Viola. 

Also, as of now,  Pletcher has not respond to our requests for comment. Nor has his lawyer, Karen Murphy responded.

The horse racing industry is already a reeling mess right now. More on what I can reveal when I know more. This is the best I can do for you now, Blue Jay.

Comments

Thanks SandyGirl;)

Does it seem strange that after the Preakness hopefuls were listed that the best ones started dropping out? This leaves Mage with hardly any compatition.

Earlier:
Chase The Chaos
Perform
Red Route One
Forte ( Passed )
First mission
Two Phil`s ( Passed )
Blazing sevens
Angel of Empire ( Passed )
Disarm
Mage
Kingsbarns ( Passed )
Hit Show ( Passed )
National Treasure
Confidence Game   

---

You're welcome, Blue Jay!

Yes! Understandably, strange, Blue Jay. However, the quick turnaround time between the Derby and the Preakness could be a factor. As we have seen in the past trainers/owners may want to give their horses more time to recover instead of pushing them to race again. Plus, there's the different racing strategies which often causes trainers to target other races that may fit their horses running style better (and/or track conditions). And, to mention there may be health and/or injury concerns that may have followed the derby. That will definitely lead connections to withdrawal their horse from competing. Other prestigious races too which makes the Preakness a lower priority. All the above and other things consider could be a factor. Maybe this is all just a strange coincidence, but then again maybe not. Our full investigation will give us the answer that we seek, (eventually).

Answer 2

Trouble at Mill?

Comments

Definitely a difficult situation.

Answer 3

1 hour ago!

Karen Murphy said chief New York steward Braulio Baeza Jr.informed the connections May 11 that aside from the disqualification Pletcher was suspended for 10 days and fined $1,000.

Comments

Photo: Jason Moran / Eclipse Sportswire

The New York State Gaming Commission suspended Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher and disqualified Forte from his win in the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes last fall because of a positive drug test.

BloodHorse reported that Pletcher was suspended for 10 days and fined $1,000.