The Kentucky Derby is considered to be the “most exciting two minutes in sports” and the pinnacle of horse racing. With a rich history dating back to 1875, the Kentucky Derby has become a cultural phenomenon that captivates the world yearly.
Fans and bettors alike eagerly anticipate the arrival of the first Saturday of May to witness the best three-year-old thoroughbreds compete in the Run for the Roses. With impressive performances in qualifying races and high expectations from trainers and fans, these horses are poised to make the historic run and etch their names in racing history.
As the top thoroughbreds from around the world prepare to line up at the starting gate, the question is: who will come out on top? In this post, we’ll look at the top favorites for this year’s race, analyzing their past performances, strengths, and weaknesses.
Forte
Forte is undoubtedly one of the most promising horses in the 2023 Kentucky Derby, with the leading position on the leaderboard and an impressive 3-1 odds. This colt has consistently performed well in the qualifying races leading up to the Derby, demonstrating his talent and agility.
The young colt first caught the attention of racing enthusiasts with a winning and dominant performance in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity. He followed this up with another impressive victory in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
Forte then went on to win the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes and the Grade 1 Florida Derby. These victories were a testament to his impressive speed, agility, and stamina and cemented his position as one of the top upcoming horses in Kentucky Derby.
Forte must bring his A-game and perform his best to win this one. He will also need to overcome the challenge of racing against a large field of talented horses, many of which will be just as determined to win as he is.
Tapit Trice
With 8-1 odds, Tapit Trice is an up-and-coming contender for the 2023 Kentucky Derby, currently ranking fourth in the leaderboard. His performance in the qualifying races has been remarkable, indicating his potential as a serious threat to the top place holders.
He kicked off his campaign with a solid first-place finish in the Grade 3 South Tampa Bay Derby and then proceeded to win the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes with a commanding display of speed and stamina.
While Tapit Trice has only participated in two qualifying races, his impressive performances have made him a favorite among horse racing enthusiasts and experts. He has shown exceptional speed, endurance, and agility: all critical attributes for a successful Kentucky Derby contender.
Practical Move
Practical Move is an impressive colt and a serious contender for the 2023 Kentucky Derby. With 12-1 odds, he’s one of the top favorites for the race, and it’s not hard to see why. Practical Move has shown his strength and ability to perform under pressure in the qualifying races leading up to the Kentucky Derby.
He finished first in the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity, Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes, and Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby. These races are critical stepping stones on the road to the Kentucky Derby. Winning these prep races indicates that Practical Move has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
In terms of strength, Practical Move is a well-built colt with a muscular physique that suggests he’s capable of sustaining a vigorous pace for an extended period. He also has a solid pedigree, with a sire and dam that were both successful racehorses in their own right.
Hit Show
Hit Show is a horse to watch as we approach the 2023 Kentucky Derby. Currently sitting in eleventh place on the leaderboard, with 28-1 odds, this colt has shown great potential in the qualifying races leading up to the big event.
In terms of performance, Hit Show has shown a lot of stamina. He finished in first place in the Grade 3 Withers Stakes and followed it up with a solid second-place finish in the Wood Memorial Stakes.
The young colt’s ability to maintain a steady pace and stay strong throughout a race bodes well for his chances in the Kentucky Derby.
Angel of Empire
Regardless of being the third horse in the leaderboard with 38-1 odds, Angel of Empire has proven he is a serious contender for the coveted title. In his most recent qualifying race, the Arkansas Derby, Angel of Empire finished first.
This victory secured him a spot in the upcoming Kentucky Derby. Angel of Empire is trained by Brad Cox, one of the top trainers in the industry. Cox has also trained several successful horses, including Monomoy Girl, who won the 2018 Kentucky Oaks and 2018 Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
Despite his impressive performance in the Arkansas Derby, Angel of Empire will face stiff competition this May. The Kentucky Derby is unpredictable, and anything can happen on race day. But with the talent and experience of Cox, Angel of Empire has a good chance of coming out on top and taking home the coveted title of Kentucky Derby champion.
Takeaway
As we eagerly await the 2023 Kentucky Derby, it’s clear that the field is full of unbridled talent. Each horse brings their unique strengths and abilities to the race. May the best horse win, and may the 2023 Kentucky Derby be a race we’ll remember for years.
