Meet the Early Favorites for the Kentucky Derby 2023

As the first Saturday in May approaches, horse racing enthusiasts worldwide are gearing up for one of the most highly anticipated sports events: the Kentucky Derby. With a history that dates back to 1875, this iconic race has become a staple of American culture that highlights some of the finest thoroughbred horses in the world.

With several prep races already completed, a few horses have emerged as early favorites to win the Kentucky Derby 2023. These horses have showcased their potential by delivering impressive performances in their respective races, earning significant points towards the qualifying process for the Derby.

Let’s take a closer look at the horses expected to be among the top contenders for this year’s Run for the Roses.

Two Phil’s

With a total of 123 points, Two Phil’s qualification for the Kentucky Derby is assured, barring any unforeseen circumstances. The colt’s impressive victory in the Jeff Ruby Stakes showcased his talent and potential, and he will now have the opportunity to compete against the best three-year-old horses in the world this coming May.

Led by Larry Rivelli, a trainer who has a proven track record in the sport, and ridden by Jareth Loveberry, a talented jockey with a wealth of experience, Two Phil has all the tools he needs to be a strong contender in the Kentucky Derby. 

With the Kentucky Derby just weeks away, racing fans worldwide eagerly await FanDuel’s kentucky derby picks, and Two Phil is one horse that will surely be on everyone’s radar.

Forte

Forte became the likely favorite for this year’s race when he won the Grade 1 Florida Derby from an outside post. The young colt took home his fifth consecutive win and added another 100 points to his total, securing his spot at the top of the leaderboard for the Kentucky Derby.

As the big day approaches, Forte’s team will be fine-tuning their strategy in preparing the young colt for what promises to be a fiercely competitive race. 

Of course, there are no guarantees in horse racing. Even the most talented horses can falter on the big day, and many factors can come into play. But with Forte’s power and the skill and experience of his trainer and jockey, he is one to watch in this year’s Kentucky Derby.

Angel of Empire

Angel of Empire obliterated the field in the Arkansas Derby with a spectacular move around the final turn and cruised to a dominant victory in the race. His dominant performance in the Arkansas Derby solidified his status as a top contender in the upcoming Kentucky Derby. 

The colt’s acceleration around the final turn was breathtaking to watch, leaving the rest of the field struggling to keep pace. Jockey Flavien Prat expertly guided Angel of Empire to the front of the pack, where he maintained a comfortable lead to the finish line. 

For Angel of Empire, this was just the beginning of an illustrious and long career. The young colt had proven himself to be a force on the race track.

The three-year-old colt, trained by Brad H. Cox, had previously shown promise with a second-place finish in Smarty Jones Stakes and a first-place finish at the Risen Star Stakes. For sure, racing fans eagerly await Angel of Empire’s next race, and many are predicting big things for this talented three-year-old.

Derma Sotogake

Derma Sotogake is another early favorite for the 2023 Kentucky Derby. The three-year-old colt bolted to victory in the UAE Derby, one of the most prestigious prep races for the Kentucky Derby.

The colt’s performance in that race was nothing short of dominant, as he won by a comfortable margin and showed a remarkable turn of foot down the stretch. This victory secured 100 points toward his Kentucky Derby qualification, making him another top contender for the race.

The colt’s speed, stamina, and determination have earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting horses of the 2023 Triple Crown season, and many racing fans and experts are eagerly anticipating his performance in the Kentucky Derby. 

Like most on this list,  Derma Sotogake has an excellent track record. He also receives top-class support from trainer and jockey. With this, Derma Sotogake will surely turn heads of punters wanting to make some profit.

Conclusion

While the road to the Derby is long and filled with unpredictable twists and turns, it’s clear that some horses have already established themselves as strong contenders. From Forte to Derma Sotogake, these horses have all shown their potential to win the Derby. 

Of course, anything can happen between now and May 6th, when the race will occur, and other horses may emerge as favorites as the season progresses. However, as it stands, these early favorites are certainly worth keeping an eye on as they continue to compete and strive for their place in Kentucky Derby history.