Post positions are set for the 149th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby today on Saturday, May 6. Let’s examine the credentials of the horses we think are the best favorites and contenders on the Kentucky Derby odds board. All odds below are courtesy of bet365 as of May 6, 2023 following Forte being scratched.
Favorites and contenders for the 2023 Kentucky Derby
Forte – Irad Ortiz Jr, Todd Pletcher, Favorite (OTB)
Forte was the most accomplished Kentucky Derby favorite in years before being scratched from the race on Saturday morning with a hoof bruise. The absence of the 2022 champion two-year-old male has had a profound impact on Kentucky Derby odds.
Tapit Trice – Luis Saez, Todd Pletcher, Favorite, 7-2
Tapit Trice brings a favorable pattern to the Run for the Roses. The imposing gray colt has offered an outstanding late turn of foot in both stakes appearances, displaying improved tactical ability when recording a fast win in the Blue Grass Stakes. His increasing Brisnet Speed ratings stamp him as a major contender.
If Tapit Trice can work out a trip from post five, the late runner appears poised to make a serious impact.
Angel of Empire – Flavien Prat, Brad Cox, Favorite, 9-2
Angel of Empire wasn’t fast enough to compete against upper-echelon competition as a two-year-old, but the off-the-pace runner developed into a serious Kentucky Derby contender by progressing rapidly in three starts this year.
He ran fast in his last two starts, notching back-to-back stakes wins, and the push-button acceleration he displayed on the far turn of the Arkansas Derby may serve him well at Churchill Downs. Flavien Prat adds to the appeal, owning a 1-1-2 record from five starts.
Derma Sotogake – Christophe Lemaire, Hidetaka Otonashi, Contender, 7-1
International shippers haven’t fared well in the Kentucky Derby, but Derma Sotogake can’t be dismissed from win consideration. The Japanese-based chestnut exits a fast win in the UAE Derby, showing good speed to score by 5 1/2 lengths, a few weeks after opening the year with a third in the Saudi Derby.
The Japanese are making their presence felt on the international scene, and Derma Sotogake appears talented enough to make a major impact if he shows up with his best.
More Kentucky Derby picks
Kingsbarns – Jose Ortiz, Todd Pletcher, Contender, 10-1
Lightly raced but on the upswing, Kingsbarns stepped forward with a convincing win in his stakes debut, dominating the Louisiana Derby on the front end.
He’ll need to keep moving forward after having everything his own way last time, but the thrice-raced colt may have more to offer given his improving form, regal bloodlines, and two-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Todd Pletcher in his corner.
Two Phil’s – Jareth Loveberry, Larry Rivelli, Contender, 10-1
Two Phil’s took to the synthetic track in his final Kentucky Derby prep, registering a field-best 107 Brisnet Speed rating for a 5 1/4-length in the Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park.
He’s run well at Churchill Downs, winning the Street Sense Stakes by open lengths over a sloppy track last fall, and is one of the most experienced runners in the field. The chestnut colt will look to challenge from just off the early pace.
Verifying – Tyler Gaffalione, Brad Cox, Contender, 14-1
Verifying smartly led all the way in first career start last August, but the athletic son of 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify utilized stalking tactics in his first three stakes attempts. He showed improved speed in the Blue Grass Stakes, closely tracking the pace before surging to the lead on the far turn, and turned in a commendable performance finishing a neck second to Tapit Trice.
That may sharpen up his early foot, and Verifying appears eligible to be forward after drawing post 2 with leading Churchill Downs rider Tyler Gaffalione.
Where to bet on the Kentucky Derby?
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