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Tyler Lauletta
2023-05-06T15:25:09Z
- The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place this Saturday at Churchill Downs.
- While it's a wide-open field this year, two horses — Forte and Tapit Trice — stand above the rest.
- Below we go post by post to break down the chances of every horse in this year's Run for the Roses.
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The field for the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby is officially set.
Earlier in the week, posts were drawn for this weekend's Run for the Roses. After five scratches, including a last-minute scratch for early-favorite Forte, the field is down to 18 horses set to run the race.
This Saturday, fans will don their most spectacular hats, grab a mint julep, and head to Churchill Downs to take in the year's biggest event in horse racing and see who wins the first race of the Triple Crown.
Take a look below as we go post by post to give you the rundown on every horse racing this weekend at the Kentucky Derby.
1. Hit Show (34/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Brad Cox/Manny Franco
Career wins: 3
Recent result: 2nd at Wood Memorial
One thing to know: Jockey Manny Franco rode Tiz the Law to a second-place finish at the 2020 Kentucky Derby and a win at the Belmont Stakes that same year. Hit Show has won two of his last three races, and the only horse to best him at the Wood Memorial — Lord Miles — was scratched from the Derby.
2. Verifying (22/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Brad Cox/Tyler Gaffalione
Career wins: 2
Recent result: 2nd at Blue Grass Stakes
One thing to know: Trainer Brad Cox has technically won one Kentucky Derby already, but not the way you dream of winning the biggest race in the world. In 2021, his horse Mandaloun crossed the finish line second behind Bob Baffert's Medina Spirit. While Medina Spirit wore the roses that day, an investigation would later lead to the horse's belated disqualification from the race. ThusMandaloun was officially declared the winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby nearly a year after the race. This year, Cox is looking to win the race at the line.
3. Two Phil's (8/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Larry Rivelli/Jareth Loveberry
Career wins: 4
Recent result: 1st at Jeff Ruby Steaks
One thing to know: The last Jeff Ruby Steaks winner to win the Kentucky Derby was Animal Kingdom in 2011.
4. Confidence Game (17/1)
Trainer/Jockey: J. Keith Desormeaux/James Graham
Career wins: 3
Recent result: 1st at Rebel Stakes
One thing to know: Confidence Game hasn't finished lower than third in any of his past four races, winning two of them. He might be something of a long shot to win on Saturday, but he's a good horse to keep in mind for trifecta bettors.
5. Tapit Trice (5/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Todd Pletcher/Luis Saez
Career wins: 4
Recent result: 1st at Blue Grass Stakes
One thing to know: No gate has produced more winners at the Kentucky Derby than No. 5, which has given 10 winners, most recently to Always Dreaming in 2017. Todd Pletcher's Tapit Trice has a good chance at becoming the 11th winner from Post 5 com Saturday.
6. Kingsbarns (12/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Todd Pletcher/Jose Ortiz
Career wins: 3
Recent result: 1st at Louisiana Derby
One thing to know: Kingsbarns has never lost a race he's entered, running out front three times in three outings at three different tracks. He's the only horse in the field sporting an undefeated record heading into Saturday.
7. Reincarnate (15/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Tim Yakteen/John Velazquez
Career wins: 2
Recent result: 3rd at Arkansas Derby
One thing to know: Jockey John Velazquez has won the Kentucky Derby three times in his career, most recently riding Authentic in 2020. He was also on the back of Medina Spirit when he crossed the line first in 2021, though that win was later taken away.
8. Mage (18/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Gustavo Delgado/Javier Castellano
Career wins: 1
Recent result: 2nd at Florida Derby
One thing to know: Jockey Javier Castellano has 15 mounts in the Kentucky Derby in his career, more than any other jockey in the field other than John Velazquez. Despite his experience in the race, he's yet to finish higher than third.
9. Skinner (Scratched)
Trainer/Jockey: John Shirreffs/Juan Hernandez
Career wins: 1
Recent result: 3rd at Santa Anita Derby
One thing to know: Skinner was scratched from the race on Friday due to an "elevated temperature," Churchill Downs said.
10. Practical Move (Scratched)
Trainer/Jockey: Tim Yakteen/Ramon Vazquez
Career wins: 4
Recent result: 1st at Santa Anita Derby
One thing to know: Practical Move had good odds to win in the days leading up to the race but was scratched due to an elevated temperature.
11. Disarm (31/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Steven Asmussen/Joel Rosario
Career wins: 1
Recent result: 3rd at Lexington Stakes
One thing to know: Trainer Steven Asmussen has won more races than any trainer in North America, but the greatest prize in the sport has escaped him his entire career. Last year was supposed to be the breakthrough, with Epicenter entering the race as a notable favorite, but Epicenter came up short, finishing second to Rich Strike, one of the biggest long shots ever to win the roses. This year, Asmussen's hopes ride with Disarm.
12. Jace's Road (37/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Brad Cox/Florent Geroux
Career wins: 2
Recent result: 3rd at Louisiana Derby
One thing to know: Jockey Florent Geroux was on the back of Mandaloun in 2021 when he crossed the finish line second. While that finish was later elevated to a win, he has yet to earn the glory of a Kentucky Derby win on raceday.
13. Sun Thunder (32/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Kenneth McPeek/Brian Hernandez, Jr.
Career wins: 1
Recent result: 4th at Blue Grass Stakes
One thing to know: Sun Thunder is trending in the wrong direction heading into the Kentucky Derby, finishing fourth and fifth in his past two races. Both outings saw Sun Thunder finish behind several other Derby contenders.
14. Angel of Empire (5/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Brad Cox/Flavien Prat
Career wins: 4
Recent result: 1st at Arkansas Derby
One thing to know: Jockey Flavien Prat rode Country House from the 20th post to victory at the 2019 Kentucky Derby. He's mighty comfortable riding at Churchill Downs, finishing in the top three at the Derby in four of his five mounts.
15. Raise Cain (36/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Ben Colebrook/Gerardo Corrales
Career wins: 2
Recent result: 5th at Blue Grass Stakes
One thing to know: Raise Cain didn't fare well his last time out against Kentucky Derby competition, finishing behind fellow Derby horses Tapit Trice, Verifying, and Sun Thunder at the Blue Grass Stakes in April. He'll need a great ride out of jockey Gerardo Corrales, making his Kentucky Derby debut, to be a factor on Saturday.
16. Derma Sotogake (8/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Hidetaka Otonashi/Christophe Lemaire
Career wins: 1
Recent result: 1st at UAE Derby
One thing to know: Derma Sotogake had a gorgeous run at the UAE Derby, catching the eyes of many race fans looking ahead to the Kentucky Derby, but he has history working against him — since the start of the UAE Derby in 2000, no winner has ever gone on to take the roses at Churchill Downs.
17. Rocket Can (34/1)
Trainer/Jockey: William Mott/Junior Alvarado
Career wins: 2
Recent result: 4th at Arkansas Derby
One thing to know: Rocket Can ran behind three other Kentucky Derby horses at the Arkansas Derby. He's likely a long shot to win but could be a horse to keep an eye on to add to the tail end of your trifectas and superfectas.
18. Lord Miles (Scratched)
Trainer/Jockey: Saffie Joseph Jr./Paco Lopez
Career wins: 2
Recent result: 1st at Wood Memorial
One thing to know: Lord Miles was scratched from the Kentucky Derby on Thursday. The suspension came as trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. was suspended after the sudden death of two of his horses at Churchill Downs.
19. Continuar (Scratched)
Trainer/Jockey: Yoshito Tahagi/Ryusei Sakai
Career wins: 0
Recent result: 3rd at UAE Derby
One thing to know: Trainer Yoshito Yahagi decided to pull Continuar from the race on Thursday, saying "he has not been able to reach the peak fitness required to take on a race as tough as the Kentucky Derby."
20. Cyclone Mischief (45/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Dale Romans/TBD
Career wins: 2
Recent result: 3rd at Florida Derby
One thing to know: Cyclone Mischief was not initially in the field of 20 horses slated to run on Saturday but made it into the field after several scratches. As of Friday, it's still unclear what jockey will get the mount. Jockeys Tyler Gaffalione and Javier Castellano, who have ridden Cyclone Mischief in his four races this year, are already promised to other horses.
21. Mandarin Hero (29/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Terunobu Fujita/Kazushi Kimura
Career wins: 0
Recent result: 2nd at Santa Anita Derby
One thing to know: Japanese horses have historically not performed well at the Kentucky Derby. However, after Mandarin Hero nearly closed out Practical Move at Santa Anita, he'll certainly garner some interest from bettors.
22. King Russell (44/1)
Trainer/Jockey: Ron Moquett/Rafael Bejarano
Career wins: 1
Recent result: 2nd at Arkansas Derby
One thing to know: King Russell hasn't finished lower than second in a race so far this year. Running out of the outside gate, he's a long shot that could find himself a factor to hit the board late, if not win the race.
Read next
FAQs
What horses are running in the 2023 Kentucky Derby? ›
| Horse | Odds | Program # |
|---|---|---|
| Derma Sotogake | 7-1 | 20 |
| Two Phil's | 7-1 | 3 |
| Kingsbarn | 9-1 | 6 |
| Reincarnate | 13-1 | 7 |
Mage wins 2023 Kentucky Derby, favorite Angel of Empire finishes third. Mage overcame 15-1 odds to win the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday in front of a crowd of over 150,000 at Churchill Downs. Here's what you need to know: Mage won by a length over Two Phil's.
How much does the jockey win Kentucky Derby 2023? ›What to know about the 2023 Kentucky Derby. The 2023 Kentucky Derby will be race No. 12 on Saturday. Post time is 6:57 p.m. ET. A purse of $3 million -- the most lucrative of the three Triple Crown races -- will be awarded to the top five horses, with the winner taking home $1.86 million (the jockey gets $186,000).
What are the odds on the horses in the Kentucky Derby today? ›Historically, horses who earn at least 40 points tend to make the field for the Kentucky Derby, so simply finishing second in a 100 point race has the potential to securely place a horse into the starting gate.
What are the best post positions for the Kentucky Derby? ›Which post position has the most Kentucky Derby wins? History is on the side of Tapit Trace, as the highest number of Derby winners have come from the No. 5 spot. Ten of the 93 horses that began in that gate went on to be crowned champion, more than any other post position.
Who can win the Kentucky Derby 2023? ›Mage, at 15-1 odds, pulls ahead to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. For two minutes Saturday, Mage showed there's still some magic left in a sport facing so much uncertainty.
Who lost the Kentucky Derby 2023? ›2023 Kentucky Derby: Mage wins first leg of Triple Crown; Mattress Mack loses big. Mage won the 2023 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday.
How often does the horse with the best odds win the Kentucky Derby? ›Bet the favorites
Favorites win 35% of the time in the Kentucky Derby, a success rate that more or less holds true for all other North American horse races.
Prize Money
The percentages a jockey receives for a Thoroughbred race range from 5% for a second- or third-place finish to 10% for first place. In less competitive races, the jockey's earnings can be as low as 0.50% for a third-place finish, 1% for placing second and perhaps 6%-10% for first place.
Who is the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby? ›
Kentucky Derby favorite Angel of Empire works out at Churchill Downs Tuesday. LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As post time approaches, it appears that Angel of Empire, at 4-1, will be the favorite for 149th running of the Kentucky Derby. Tapit Trice is the second choice at 9-2.
What jockey has the most wins in the Kentucky Derby? ›Records. With five Kentucky Derby wins apiece, jockeys Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack share the record for most Derbies won over the course of a career.
What was the worst odd horse to win the Kentucky Derby? ›...
1913 Kentucky Derby.
| Kentucky Derby | |
|---|---|
| Grade I stakes race | |
| Date | May 10, 1913 |
| Winning horse | Donerail |
| Jockey | Roscoe Goose |
Forte, the early favorite, was scratched in the morning with a bruised foot, one of five horses that dropped out in the run-up to the race. Mage paid $32.42, $14.58 and $9.08.
What are the best odds on a horse? ›The "longshots" have the least amount of money wagered on them and therefore have the highest odds. The racetrack handles the money, keeps a percentage (called a “take-out”) and calculates the horses' odds based on the amount of money wagered on each horse.
What does it cost to enter a horse in a race? ›Rule of thumb is entry fees are 1%-2% of the purse. Trainer & Jockey Commissions: These are not necessarily fees so much as bonuses taken out of a winning purse. In general, the trainer and jockey receive 10% each of any winning purse and 5% and 5% for 2nd and 3rd place finishes.
How much does it cost to enter your horse in the Kentucky Derby? ›The largest number of nominees to the Triple Crown was 460 in 2007 and 2008. Before 1986, the largest number of Kentucky Derby nominees was 432 in 1981; the smallest, 32, in 1913. The early nomination fee has been $600 from the start. The late nomination has been $6,000 since 1994.
Can male horses race in Kentucky Derby? ›The Oaks is a gender-specific race, allowing only 3-year-old female horses, or fillies, to qualify and compete. The Derby, however, is open to eligible colts, geldings or fillies. While non-male horses are able to compete in the Kentucky Derby race, it's an oddity in the sport.
Which number horse wins the most? ›The answer may surprise you. According to data from Equibase, over the past ten years, horses in post position number five have won the most races. In fact, horses in post five have won almost 13% of all races run during that period. That's significantly higher than any other post position.
Which gate is best in horse racing? ›You can't get away from the fact that for a great percentage of races it's better to be drawn dose to the rails. The race percentages themselves show that most races are won by horses coming from the 10th gate inwards.
Does the jockey get a trophy for winning the Kentucky Derby? ›
The Kentucky Derby Trophy is a set of four trophies that are awarded to the winning connections of America's most famous race: the grade one $3,000,000 Kentucky Derby. The owner receives a gold trophy while the trainer, the jockey and the breeder win a silver half size replica of the main gold trophy.
What time is the Kentucky Derby 2023 main race? ›The 2023 Kentucky Derby is set to take place Saturday, May 6, with an expected post time of 6:57 p.m.
Is Cody's wish in the Kentucky Derby 2023? ›Cody's Wish entered the Churchill Downs Stakes, his 2023 debut, as the landslide favorite. And he did not disappoint. The 5-year-old horse and jockey Junior Alvarado charged their way on the outside as the pack entered the final furlong, really kicking things into gear to win with a final time of 1:21.17.
When did regret win the Kentucky Derby? ›The 1915 Kentucky Derby was the 41st running of the Kentucky Derby. The race took place on May 8, 1915. The winning horse, Regret, generated significant publicity for the race being the first filly to ever win the Derby.
Who won the Kentucky Derby may 6 2023? ›Mage (8), ridden by jockey Javier Castellano crosses the finish line to win the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky.
What was the payout for the 1982 Kentucky Derby? ›The crowd, the second largest in Derby annals, sent $5,011,575 through the mutuel windows, the most ever wagered on one race at an American track. Gato Del Sol is owned and was bred in Kentucky by Arthur Hancock 3d and Leone J. Peters, who collected $417,600 from a record Derby purse of $522,600.
How often does the favorite win horse? ›On average favorites win about 35% of horse races. But, that win percentage can fluctuate based on the distance, surface, class, etc. For example, favorites are more likely to win dirt races than turf races.
What is the longest odds in horse racing? ›The winner of the 1913 Kentucky Derby, Donerail, had the longest odds to win (pre-race odds of 91-1). At the time Donerail won, he had the fastest racing time in history, recorded at two minutes and 4.8 seconds.
Who is the richest jockey? ›On average, horse jockeys weigh between 108 to 118 pounds & their height is 4'10” to 5'6″. To ride a horse in a race, jockeys must meet a weight limit set by the racing commission.
Do jockeys get paid per ride? ›
Jockeys are usually paid a mount fee which is a sum of money for each horse they race and a percentage of the prize money if they place first, second or third.
Why was Forte scratched from the Derby 2023? ›Why was Forte from the 2023 Kentucky Derby? Forte owner Mike Repole said the decision to scratch the horse was made by Kentucky Horse Racing Commission veterinarian Nick Smith on Saturday morning because of concerns about a bruised right front foot.
How do I place a bet on the Kentucky Derby 2023? ›Go to FanDuel Racing to place a wager on a single horse competing in the Kentucky Derby. Only the first single-horse bet is eligible for the promotion. If your bet misses, FanDuel will grant up to $20 in racing bonus.
How fast do horses run in the Kentucky Derby? ›The speed of the Kentucky Derby horses is typically around 37 mph.
What is the biggest underdog to win the Kentucky Derby? ›...
MORE: Post positions & odds for the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
| Year | Horse | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 | Donerail | 91-1 |
| 2022 | Rich Strike | 80-1 |
| 2019 | Country House | 65-1 |
| 2005 | Giacomo | 50-1 |
Lester Piggott's record nine Derby winners spanned four decades. John Ingles covers them all from Never Say Die to Teenoso, following the legendary rider's death aged 86.
What percentage of winnings does the jockey get from the Kentucky Derby? ›The normally jubilant person atop that winning horse doesn't make as much as you'd probably think. According to TwinSpires, the owner of the champion horse at the Kentucky Derby receives about $1.86 million, with about 10 percent of that going to the jockey.
What is the cheapest horse to ever win the Kentucky Derby? ›"So my best friend, her name is Hayley Amoss, and her dad is a trainer, Tom Amoss," Elizabeth said. "And he claimed a horse that's actually running in the Oaks. Her name is Chocolate Martini and they only paid $25,000 for her.
Has there ever been a great horse to win the Kentucky Derby? ›Secretariat, 1973
Phipps won the toss, but Chenery wound up with the chestnut colt that would grow into the most legendary thoroughbred racehorse in history. The race: Secretariat won the first jewel of the Triple Crown with a 2 ½-length triumph, and in doing so, set a track record—1:59.40—that still stands today.
The following is a list of 29 horses that were undefeated starters in the Kentucky Derby since 1915. Nine exited the Derby unbeaten: Justify (2018), Nyquist (2016), Big Brown (2008), Barbaro (2006), Smarty Jones (2004), Seattle Slew (1977), Majestic Prince (1969), Morvich (1922) and the filly Regret (1915).
Who was the most expensive horse? ›
The most expensive horse in the world was the Fusaichi Pegasus – sold for a record price of 70 million dollars! Fusaichi Pegasus won the highest amount of prize money.
What is the most expensive horse race? ›Dubai World Cup
Held annually since 1996, this prestigious event draws over 60,000 spectators every year. As the world's most lucrative horse race, it offers a staggering $12 million in prize money.
No prizes for guessing who receives this accolade! That's right, the stunning black Dutch Warmblood stallion Totilas sold for an estimated whopping €11m to German trainer Paul Schokemohle.
What is the most profitable way to bet on horses? ›The 80/20 System
It is a strategy for earning from horses through wagering on them to win and get a place on the betting exchange. If you want to use this horse race betting strategy, you will need to bet 20% on the horse that will win the race and 80% on the same horse to finish with a place.
So, what is a good age? More often than not it is better to focus on hurdlers aged five to seven, and chasers aged six to eight. In handicaps, it would seem wise to focus most attention on the younger, less exposed horses. The older handicapper might be vulnerable to their younger counterparts.
What is the most common horse bet? ›A win bet is the most common and straightforward bet. You're simply betting on a specific horse to finish in first place. If the horse that you wager on doesn't finish first, you lose the bet. Of the straight bets, this usually offers the best payout, as it has the greatest risk.
What are the colors for the 2023 Kentucky Derby? ›Highlighted by the Kentucky Derby's iconic color palette of red, black, gold and white, the Kentucky Derby 149 logo features diamonds intended to replicate the blocks in legendary Secretariat's famed blue and white silks as 2023 will be the 50th anniversary of his unforgettable Triple Crown sweep.
What time is the Kentucky Derby 2023 race? ›The 2023 Kentucky Derby is set to take place Saturday, May 6, with an expected post time of 6:57 p.m.
What breeds run in the Kentucky Derby? ›Three-year-old Thoroughbreds
Every race has certain conditions of eligibility, and the Kentucky Derby is strictly for Thoroughbreds who are three years old.
Why was Kentucky Derby favorite Forte scratched? Forte owner Mike Repole said the decision to scratch the horse was made by Kentucky Horse Racing Commission veterinarian Nick Smith because of concerns about a bruised right front foot.
Can you wear pink to the Kentucky Derby? ›
Do I have to wear specific colors to either one? Not at all. The Kentucky Derby is a chance for guests to express themselves through fashion, and you will see every shade and hue and lots more represented!
Can you wear black and white to the Kentucky Derby? ›Go monochrome with a black and white Kentucky Derby outfit
"Black and white or navy and white are traditional spectator color combinations at the race track," said Ross. "They are always in style."
There will be horse racing coverage from noon to 7:30 p.m. EDT (that's 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Los Angeles) on the traditional television network and streaming on Peacock. The official Derby coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. That's a lot of time to fill.
What time will the Kentucky Derby actually be run? ›What time does the Kentucky Derby start? NBC's live coverage will begin at noon Eastern, hosted by Tirico. The race will post at 6:57 p.m., and will stream on the NBC Sports App and on Peacock. Where: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky.
What time does the Kentucky Derby run for the Roses start? ›The races. The Kentucky Derby is always the first Saturday in May, which this year is May 6. There are 14 races, which start at 10:30 a.m., with the actual Kentucky Derby race at 6:57 p.m.