The hits keep coming for the Kentucky Derby.

Forte, who had been the 9-to-2 favorite to win the Race for the Roses, has been scratched on the day of the race because of a hoof bruise.

Forte is owned by Mike Repole and was trained by Todd Pletcher.

The horse’s jockey was Irad Oritz.

The decision to scratch Forte was made after an examination by a state racing commission vet, where he looked closely at the horse’s front right leg, according to video from ACCN reporter Will Clark.

“Their vets and our vets said it was a hoof bruise,” Repole told TVG. “We took X-rays, he’s fine. He probably just needs a couple more days.”

Repole said the injury first appeared on Wednesday, but it’s something that could heal in 24 hours to a week. Pletcher immediately told the state vets about the bruise and the two sides have been working in lockstep since. Forte had stumbled during training on Thursday, but had appeared to practice without issue on Friday.

“The state vets come in and they watched him every single day and they appreciated the collaboration,” Repole said. “You can only be a 3-year-old colt on the first Saturday in May one time in your life. Bruise is not an excuse, fear is not an excuse, a bad day is not an excuse. I feel bad for the horse. He might be ready to run the Preakness if we want. I think me and Todd are gonna need more recovery than him.”  

According to Darren Rovell of the Action Network, Forte had attracted 16 percent of the win pool.

Forte is the fifth horse to be scratched from the Derby this week.

There are now 18 horses in the field for the first leg of the Triple Crown on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Tapit Trice and Angel of Empire are now co-favorites at 9-to-2, according to the latest odds on FanDuel.

Sad for 75 family members that I snuck out this moring to come here alone,” Repole said. “I had the hotel manager drive me. I have to go back. They know now, but I have to go back and tell them.”

Skinner was scratched on Friday due to having an elevated temperature.

Practical Move, Lord Miles and Continuar were all scratched previously this week.

Saffie Joseph Jr., the trainer of Lord Miles, got suspended indefinitely by Churchill Downs as two other horses that he trained, Parents Pride and Chasing Artie, mysteriously died at the track after races this week.

“Given the unexplained sudden deaths, we have reasonable concerns about the condition of his horses, and decided to suspend him indefinitely until details are analyzed and understood,” Bill Mudd, President and Chief Operating Officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated, said in a statement.

“The safety of our equine and human athletes and integrity of our sport is our highest priority. We feel these measures are our duty and responsibility.”

Last week, the horse Wild On Ice sustained an injury while training, and had to be euthanized.