SARATOGA SPRINGS – New York Racing Association and State Racing and Wagering Board investigators are delving into the circumstances that forced the late scratch of Nani Rose, the heavy favorite, from yesterday’s Lake Placid Handicap here.

“There is an ongoing investigation into why the horse was scratched,” NYRA director of security John Tierney said last evening from his office here. “I’m still waiting for information. Beyond that I can’t comment.”

Originally it was announced that Nani Rose, trained by Pat Byrne, was withdrawn because she spiked a fever.

“That may have been in conjunction with the cause of the investigation,” Tierney said.

Byrne could not be reached for comment.