© Image by Peter W from Pixabay
As we approach the first Saturday in May, the excitement and anticipation for the Kentucky Derby continue to build. And with the Road to the Kentucky Derby series of races underway, several horses have already secured their spots in the prestigious event.
These early contenders have shown their skill and determination on the track, earning enough points to qualify for the Run for the Roses. Each horse brings its own unique story and journey to the Derby.
With their spots in the Kentucky Derby secured, these early contenders set their sights on the ultimate prize - winning the Run for the Roses and securing a place in horse racing history. So, let's dive in and get to know the horses vying for victory in the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
Forte
Forte, a promising three-year-old colt, has already made a strong impression in the run-up to the 2023 Kentucky Derby. In his most recent race, the Florida Derby, Forte emerged as the winner, demonstrating his potential as a top contender.The young colt holds the number one spot in the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard with 190 points earned from his performances in various qualifying races.
One of Forte's greatest assets is his jockey, Irad Ortiz Jr., who is widely regarded as one of the top jockeys in the sport, with numerous graded stakes victories to his name. He has a proven track record of delivering his mounts to the winner's circle in high-pressure situations.
Forte's trainer, Todd Pletcher, is also a respected figure in the sport and has won the Kentucky Derby twice. Pletcher's experience and expertise will be crucial in preparing Forte for the demanding 1.25-mile race, especially for those interested in betting on Kentucky Derby.
Practical Move
Practical Move is a three-year-old colt trained by Tim Yakteen. He has been one of the standout performers on the Road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby, winning all three qualifying races and earning 160 points.Practical Move began his journey to the Kentucky Derby with a victory in the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity, where he defeated a competitive field of two-year-olds. He followed that up with a win in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park, where he defeated a field that included several other Kentucky Derby contenders.
In his most recent race, the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, Practical Move again showed his class by winning convincingly over a strong field. Practical Move's impressive victory in the Santa Anita Derby solidified his position as one of the top contenders for the Kentucky Derby.
Another thing worth noting about Practical Move's pedigree is the influence of his sire, Practical Joke. Practical Joke was a top-class racehorse, winning several major races like the 2016 Hopeful Stakes and 2017 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes.
Angel of Empire
Angel of Empire is a three-year-old colt trained by Brad H. Cox, one of the top trainers in the sport. The colt has shown promise on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, earning a spot in the starting gate with 154 points.The young colt has shown great potential in his three races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. He finished a close second in his first race, the Smarty Jones Stakes. He then stepped up his game in his next two races, winning the Risen Star Stakes and Arkansas Derby.
Angel of Empire's success on the Road to the Kentucky Derby has made him a favorite among horse racing fans and analysts. His trainer, Brad H. Cox, has also expressed confidence in the young colt's abilities, praising his speed, stamina, and overall athleticism.
As the Kentucky Derby draws closer, all eyes will be on Angel of Empire to see if he can maintain his winning form and capture the biggest prize in American horse racing.
Tapit Trice
Tapit Trice has quietly made his way onto the Kentucky Derby leaderboard. He has run two races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, starting with a Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby. After finishing first in that race, he moved on to compete in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes, where he finished first place.One thing that stands out about Tapit Trice is his breeding. He is a son of Tapit, widely regarded as one of the best stallions in the world. In addition to his breeding, Tapit Trice has caught the attention of racing fans and analysts for his running style.
He has shown a strong closing kick in his races, which could bode well for him in the Kentucky Derby, a race often won by horses who can finish strongly in the final stretch.
