KSR Today: Forte Keeps Making Headlines (for the wrong reasons)

A week ago the connections to Forte were dreaming of a Kentucky Derby win. Those dreams have turned into nightmares.

The Kentucky Derby favorite was scratched on the morning of the race. We learned late Monday night that meant Forte would also be sidelined for the Preakness Stakes. Tuesday night we learned that’s only the beginning of thise horse’s woes.

The New York Times reports Forte failed a post-race drug test back in September. The horse won the Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga in the mud by a length, its first graded stakes win. Two races and two months later, Forte was crowned the 2-year-old champion with a Breeders’ Cup win at Keeneland.

The New York Times report does not specifically state which drug the horse tested positive for, simply stating it was a banned anti-inflammatory. NYRA officials said the matter would have already been adjudicated, but trainer Todd Pletcher’s lawyers have made multiple procedural delays, including one yesterday.

Horse racing’s reputation took a hit following a string of fatalities at Churchill Downs. Now one of its top racers has a failed drug test on its resume. It’s unclear what this means for Forte’s racing career, but it’s clear that Murphy’s Law is currently ruling the sport.

Another Win for Kentucky Baseball

The Kentucky baseball team played its final mid-week game of the regular season Tuesday night and did what they’ve done all year, take care of business. Tennessee Tech took an early 2-0 lead before the Cats’ bats came alive. Kentucky scored six runs in the sixth inning before ultimately pulling away with a 9-2 win. The Wildcats conclude the 2023 season with a 10-1 record in mid-week contests. Not too shabby.

The Bat Cats are back in action Friday night at Tennessee. They’ll get one more series at home, ending the season next weekend at Kentucky Proud Park against the Florida Gators.

Your Chance to Win $5,000 at KSBar

Hump Day is here and that means you have a shot to win $5,000. Over the last few months Matt Jones has hosted various nights of trivia at KSBar, with each winner qualifying for a chance to win $5,000. Tonight is your final night to qualify for the grand prize. KSR’s Fearless Leader will kick-off the event inside KSBar and Grille at 7 pm EST. The house fills up quickly, so call ahead (859-554-6081) and reserve your spot for a chance at $5k.

Former Kentucky Wildcats can Clinch in the NBA Playoffs

Five former Kentucky Wildcats are back in action in the NBA Playoffs Wednesday night. Both teams are hitting the road with 3-1 leads. Miami (Adebayo, Herro) travels to Madison Square Garden at 7:30 pm EST, followed by the Lakers (Davis, Vanderbilt, Gabriel) at Golden State at 10 pm EST.

Tuesday night Your favorite former Kentucky Wildcats brought their A-game. Jamal Murray had 19 points to propel the Nuggets to a 118-102 victory that gives Denver a 3-2 series lead. Meanwhile in Boston, Tyrese Maxey silenced the rowdy crowd with an incredible game five performance. Maxey knocked down six threes to score 30 points and stun the Celtics in a blowout 115-103 win at the Garden.

NFL Schedule Release is Coming

The NFL schedule release is scheduled for Thursday at 8 pm. Before the made-for-TV show takes over NFL Network airwaves, the league is slowly leaking out dates and times. The biggest release so far could affect some Kentucky-Bengals fans. This year a traditional bowl game day will be filled with NFL football. The Bengals will travel to play the Chiefs on New Year’s Eve at 4:25 pm EST. In other holiday news, the Giants will play the Eagles on Christmas Day.

The NFL also unveiled this year’s international series. I hope Luke Fortner likes London. For the first time a team will play back-to-back games across the pond.

• Week 4: Falcons vs. Jaguars (London)
• Week 5: Jaguars vs. Bills (Tottenham)
• Week 6: Ravens vs Titans (Tottenham)
• Week 9: Dolphins vs. Chiefs (Frankfurt)
• Week 10: Colts vs. Patriots (Frankfurt)