2023 Kentucky Derby: Contenders and Odds to Win

The first leg of the Triple Crown of American Thoroughbred Horse Racing will kick off on May 6, 2023 (Saturday) at Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentucky, sponsored by Woodford Reserve (Brown-Forman).

The 2023 Kentucky Derby will celebrate its 149th year since its inauguration, an iconic year just before reaching its 150th anniversary. As one of the most significant events in the country, many bettors and fans alike look forward to how the event will unfold each time.

This year, the Derby presents several strong candidates that may already be familiar to you. To introduce you to the top favorite horses to win this year's Kentucky Derby, here's a list to guide you:

Forte (3/1)

The official Kentucky Derby site has already presented the current rank 149 and their odds. Although Forte is on the 15th rank, he's still one of the favorites to win with 3/1 odds. It's because Forte has a streak of five races he won, including the three consecutive Grade 1 wins in 2022 that earned him champion juvenile male honors.

Additionally, the colt opened the year with two races he also won, the Fountain of Youth (G2) and the Florida Derby (G1), his final prep for the Derby. Including the two races this year, he has already had seven starts and placed first in six.

As one of the Kentucky derby contenders, Forte is one of the horses you should look forward to. He already has made an excellent record, and if all things go well, the fans might finally see a contender for the Triple Crown this year.

Tapit Trice (5/1)

Next on the list is Tapit Trice, currently in the fifth rank in the 2023 Kentucky Derby 149. He's a gray colt who was foaled in 2020. His beautiful color is not the only thing that catches everyone's eyes, but also the performance that deemed him a powerful late runner. It's because he doesn't make any great impression at the start but then suddenly blows past his rivals after waiting until the far turn.

Tapit Trice has already participated in five starts, three of which were held this year, which he has won back-to-back, making it his four-win streak under his name. A few of his significant starts include the 2023 Blue Grass Stakes (G1) and the 2023 Tampa Bay Derby (G3).

Angel of Empire (8/1)

Another bay colt on the list is Angel of Empire, who has already made millions of earnings in the first quarter of the year. In 2023 alone, Angel of Empire has already participated in three starts, where he opened the year in 2023 Smarty Jones (LS) as a second placer, then won his following events back–to–back, namely 2023 Risen Star (G2) and 2023 Arkansas Derby (G1).

It's important to note that Angel of Empire was sired by Classic Empire, who was also an excellent runner during his prime. It seems that excellence and being fast runners run in their blood. So, it's something to remember, together with the number of wins Angel of Empire has already garnered since last year.

Derma Sotogake (10/1)

Derma Sotogake is one of the two Japanese participating in the 2023 Kentucky Derby. Although the other horse, Continuar, is a long shot, Derma Sotogake has become one of the favorites to win this year's event.

One of the reasons for this is that this beautiful chestnut horse currently holds the fast win in the UAE Derby (G2) just March this year with a five-and-a-half lengths score. Aside from that, before the new year, Derma Sotogake also recorded back-to-back stakes wins in Japan before he placed third in the Saudi Derby (G3) to welcome 2023.

Furthermore, this colt has accumulated eight starts with four wins and was in third place twice. Undoubtedly, Derma Sotogake has more to show that many bettors and fans can look forward to.

Two Phil's (12/1)

Of all the horses in this list, Two Phil's is in the top five of the 2023 Kentucky Derby 149, where he placed third. He has a chestnut color that looks even more beautiful when he runs. Of the horses in this list, Two Phil's is also the horse with the most starts, with his eight races in his record, which he won four times, placed as second and third one time each.

This includes his final prep at 2023 Jeff Ruby Streaks (G3), which he won with a stunning five and ¼ length just this year's late March. Not only that, but this event also recorded his three-digit record in Brisnet Speed rating with Kentucky Derby field-best 107.

Final Thoughts

If you plan to watch and bet on the Kentucky Derby, it's best to secure your tickets now. After reading through this article, you probably already have your favorite horse. So, don't miss the chance and support them by placing a bet under their name as you enjoy the rest of the event.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.