The 149th Kentucky Derby is set, with 19 horses ready to vie for the iconic garland of red roses. For many of the 3-year-olds, this will be their first time racing the challenging 1 1/4-mile distance, with heavy traffic expected to eliminate many contenders early on. Here’s a look at the top horses to watch in this year’s race.
Forte: The Favorite on a Winning Streak
Forte is entering the Derby as the 3-1 favorite, riding high on a five-race winning streak. His latest victory came in the Florida Derby, where he stormed from ninth place to win by a length. Forte has only lost once in seven career starts, and he’s poised to become just the fourth 2-year-old champion since 1980 to win the Derby. Trained by Todd Pletcher, a two-time Derby winner, and ridden by jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., Forte has strong backing. Co-owned by Mike Repole and Vincent Viola, Forte carries the hopes of his connections, with Repole seeking redemption after his 2011 favorite, Uncle Mo, had to be scratched due to illness.
Angel of Empire: A Strong Finisher
Angel of Empire enters the Derby after a commanding 4 1/4-length victory in the Arkansas Derby. Known for his ability to close from off the pace, Angel of Empire could be a serious contender if he can navigate the expected heavy traffic. Trained by Louisville native Brad Cox, Angel of Empire has earned over $1 million and will have Flavien Prat aboard, his fifth different jockey. His ownership group, Albaugh Family Stables, also has another Derby entry, Jace’s Road.
Tapit Trice: Late-Race Power
Tapit Trice, another Pletcher trainee, is coming off a four-race winning streak, including victories in the Blue Grass and Tampa Bay Derby. Known for his late-running style, the gray colt will need to find good positioning by the top of the stretch to make a strong push for the win. Luis Saez, who has been with Tapit Trice for his last three wins, will once again be in the saddle.
Derma Sotogake: Japan’s Strong Contender
One of two Japanese entries in the Derby, Derma Sotogake is coming off an impressive wire-to-wire victory in the UAE Derby, winning by 5 1/2 lengths. This marks just the third time a Japan-bred horse has run in the Derby. The colt is named after the sumo wrestling move “sotogake,” symbolizing strength and agility. With Continuar scratched, another Japanese horse, Mandarin Hero, joins Derma Sotogake in representing their nation on the global stage.
Confidence Game: The Dark Horse
Confidence Game, trained by Keith Desormeaux, comes into the Derby after a 10-week break following his victory in the Rebel Stakes. As the cheapest horse in the field, purchased for just $25,000, Confidence Game has the potential to surprise. His past successes at Churchill Downs and his lineage, being sired by Candy Ride, position him as an intriguing long shot.
With these contenders and more, the 149th Kentucky Derby promises an exciting and unpredictable race as the field of 19 horses fights for the chance to wear the coveted garland of roses.
Source : https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2023-05-05/forte-derma-sotogake-among-kentucky-derby-horses-to-watch
