As the world gears up for the Kentucky Derby 2023, horse racing enthusiasts have been placing bets and keeping up with the latest developments leading up to the race. This year’s Kentucky Derby is set to take place on Saturday, May 6, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. With the field for the race determined by eligibility gained through a series of prep races, let’s take a look at the favorites, predictions, and recent controversies surrounding the event.
The Favorites
The morning line favorite for the 2023 Kentucky Derby is Todd Pletcher-trained colt Forte, who drew the No. 15 post at 3-1 odds. However, experts predict that Mage is the best bet to win with +1500 odds at Bet365 Sportsbook. Mage has already demonstrated explosiveness out of the gates as seen in his second-place finish at the Florida Derby just behind Forte. Other favorites for the race include Tapit Trice (+500), Angel of Empire (+800), Derma Sotogake (+1000), Practical Move (+1000), Kingsbarns (+1200), Two Phils (+1200), Jace’s Road (+1500), Verifying (+1500), Rocket Can (+1500), and Raise Cain (+1500).
Predictions
SportsLine’s expert horse racing analyst Jody Demling, who has a track record of correctly predicting winners at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, is fading Tapit Trice as the favorite and instead recommending long shot Derma Sotogake as a potential winner. With projected parity in the 2023 Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Derby predictions offer longshot option Mage, who won two of three career races and came in second in one, as the best bet to win with +1500 odds at Bet365 Sportsbook.
Controversies
The Kentucky Derby 2023 has been marred by recent controversies, including the removal of several horses from the field. Lord Miles, Skinner, Continuar, and Practical Move will all be absent from the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby on 7 May. Lord Miles has been scratched as a result of his trainer’s indefinite suspension from Churchill Downs following investigations into two horse fatalities, while Skinner has been withdrawn due to an elevated temperature. Continuar has been withdrawn by his trainer as he felt his horse was not fit to compete, and Practical Move has been scratched from the race after suffering a temperature increase. Five non-Derby horses have also died at Churchill Downs since April 27, including two trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., whose indefinite suspension from Churchill Downs was announced on 5 May by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and the Board of Stewards.
In addition, Forte, the 3-1 favorite, stumbled during training on Thursday, but showed no signs of issue during his Friday session. Japanese entry Derma Sotogake (10-1) is one of two horses at the Kentucky Derby, which is a rare occurrence in this event and an interesting storyline to follow.
Conclusion
The Kentucky Derby 2023 promises to be an exciting event with some major favorites and a few surprises. As horse racing enthusiasts gear up for the big race, it is essential to remember to gamble responsibly and seek professional help if needed. Let’s hope for a safe and enjoyable event for all involved, and a successful and deserving winner of the Kentucky Derby 2023.
