Forte Scratch Negatively Impacts Japan Handle on Derby
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Photo: Rick Samuels
Derma Sotogake galloping at Churchill Downs
The race day scratch of Forte had an immeasurable impact on the 149th Kentucky Derby (G1) as well as pronounced effect on Japan's separate pool wagering on the May 6 first leg of the Triple Crown at Churchill Downs.
According to Japan Racing Association figures, a total of $1,148,769,200 (JPY) (US$8,503,649) was wagered on the Run for the Roses, but almost $220 million (JPY) was refunded due to the Saturday morning scratch of Forte, which happened late in the evening in Tokyo, which is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time in Kentucky.
The final handle of $926,892,600 (JPY) (US$6,861,229) with two Japanese horses in the field (Derma Sotogake and Mandarin Hero , who were unplaced) marked a drop of about 14% from the 2022 figure of $1,075,384,300 (JPY) (US$7.96 million) when Crown Pride represented the country. Crown Pride stalked the pace in last year's Derby and was third after a mile but faded to finish 13th.
The 2023 figure was still well ahead of the 2019 figure of $458,560,600 (JPY) ($3,394,448).