With the 149th Kentucky Derby approaching, the lineup underwent significant changes. Four horses—Practical Move, Lord Miles, Continuar, and Skinner—were scratched from the race. In their place, Cyclone Mischief, Mandarin Hero, and King Russell entered the field, making the competition fiercer than ever. Despite the alterations, Forte remains the early 3-1 favorite in a wide-open field of 19 horses. Trained by two-time Derby winner Todd Pletcher, Forte will break from post No. 15, a starting gate that has produced six previous Derby champions. Forte’s impressive record of six wins in seven starts, including five consecutive victories, further solidifies his place as a strong contender.
Pletcher also brings two other top contenders into the race: Tapit Trice, the second favorite at 5-1, and the unbeaten Kingsbarns. With such a formidable lineup, Pletcher has high hopes for a successful run, calling it “the deepest squad” he’s ever had. Meanwhile, Louisville native Brad Cox, who claimed his first Derby win through the disqualification of Medina Spirit, will present a formidable challenge with four horses, including Angel of Empire, Hit Show, Verifying, and Jace’s Road. Cox is eager to experience the joy of an in-person victory this time around.
Drama and Redemption Stories Await in the Derby Field
The 149th Kentucky Derby promises more than just intense racing; it offers a stage for personal redemption and high stakes for several participants. Gary and Mary West, owners of Hit Show, are seeking to avenge their 2019 Derby disappointment when their horse, Maximum Security, was disqualified after finishing first. Luis Saez, the jockey from that controversial race, is also back, riding Tapit Trice in search of his first Derby win. Florent Geroux, who guided Mandaloun to victory after Medina Spirit’s disqualification, will ride Jace’s Road, hoping to secure another triumph.
Bob Baffert, one of the most successful trainers in Derby history, remains banned from the race due to Medina Spirit’s failed drug test. However, his influence lingers as Reincarnate, a colt previously trained by him, will be competing under new guidance. Meanwhile, Saffie Joseph Jr. was sidelined indefinitely after his Derby entry, Lord Miles, was scratched following the sudden deaths of two of his horses earlier in the week.
The field also features international flair with Japan’s Derma Sotogake and Mandarin Hero, offering the nation two shots at its first-ever Kentucky Derby win. As the field gears up for Saturday’s race, weather conditions look favorable, with a forecast of partly sunny skies and a high of 77 degrees. The stage is set for an unpredictable, thrilling race as these 19 horses compete for the garland of roses at Churchill Downs.
Source : https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2023-05-05/19-horses-to-tangle-in-wide-open-149th-kentucky-derby