Top contenders for the Kentucky Derby 2023: Who to watch out for
<?xml encoding=”utf-8″ ??>
The Kentucky Derby is a much-awaited event in the world of horse racing, attracting thousands of enthusiasts every year.
This iconic race is considered the crown jewel of horse racing, drawing in spectators worldwide.
While the official list of contenders for the 2023 Kentucky Derby has yet to be released, it’s never too early to speculate which horses may emerge as top contenders. Each one has something to prove and is determined to emerge as the winner.
As we count down to the big day, it’s best to keep an eye on these contenders and assess their strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the top contenders for the 2023 Kentucky Derby and what makes them stand out.
Forte
Forte’s dominant performance in the Florida Derby solidified his status as a top contender for the Kentucky Derby. His speed and stamina were on full display, leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind that he is a true champion.
The three-year-old colt has successfully bagged 190 points from his first-place wins in the Grade I Breeders’ Futurity, Grade I Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes, and Grade I Florida Derby. Forte’s impressive record is a testament to his incredible talent and the hard work his trainer and jockey put in.
All this has made Forte a sought-after FanDuel’s kentucky derby picks favorite among horse racing fans and experts. Fans of the sport eagerly anticipate the race, which will take place on the first Saturday in May, to see if Forte can continue his winning streak and emerge victorious as the Kentucky Derby champion.
Angel of Empire
Angel of Empire recently won the $1.25 million Arkansas Derby, putting him in a strong position for the upcoming Kentucky Derby. The three-year-old colt put in an outstanding performance, beating out some tough competition and earning 100 points on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard.
This win was added to Angel of Empire’s already impressive record, which included a first-place finish in the Grade II Risen Star Stakes early in the year. Angel of Empire’s success in the Arkansas Derby has also highlighted the strength of his trainer, Brad H. Cox, who’s regarded as one of the best in the business.
As the Kentucky Derby approaches, Cox and Angel of Empire will be working hard to prepare for the biggest race of their careers. The competition will be challenging, but with the colt’s dominant form and Cox’s expert training, they will surely be one of the crowd’s favorites in the field.
Two Phil’s
Two Phil’s won the Grade III Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park, earning 100 points toward a start in the Kentucky Derby. The three-year-old colt put in a strong performance in the race, battling with some tough competitors before pulling away in the final stretch to win comfortably.
The young colt’s journey to the Kentucky Derby has been remarkable, overcoming significant challenges along the way. In his early races, he struggled with consistency, often finishing in the middle of the pack or worse. However, trainer Larry Rivelli O’Neill focused on improving his training and race strategy, making him a top contender in the upcoming derby.
Derma Sotogake
The three-year-old colt Derma Sotogake has become a rising star in horse racing thanks to his recent success in the UAE Derby. His dominant performance in the race secured him a guaranteed spot in the Kentucky Derby, where he will have the opportunity to compete against some of the best horses in the world.
Derma Sotogake will undoubtedly face some tough competition as he prepares for the biggest race of his career. However, with his noteworthy record and undeniable talent, he surely has what it takes to gain the ground needed to come out on top.
Kingsbarns
With his win in the Louisiana Derby, Kingsbarns has earned 100 points on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, putting him in a strong position heading into the biggest race of his career. Trained by a talented team and ridden by a skilled jockey, Kingsbarns has shown that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level of horse racing.
Will he continue his winning streak and emerge as a top contender for the coveted prize? Only time will tell, but one thing is sure: he is a horse to watch out for in the coming weeks and months.
Takeaway
The road to the Kentucky Derby 2023 is long and challenging, which is only telling how much time and effort the horses and their teams put into to get their spots. With their hearts and spirits poured into this derby, these stunning horses will surely make for an entertaining race. So best mark your calendars for The Run for the Roses, and get ready to witness one of the most exciting horse races in the world.
