Kentucky Derby 2023 Horses – Full List of Entry

As of Monday’s post-position draw, Derby Week has officially begun, leading to the highly anticipated 149th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6.

This year’s group of three-year-olds competing at Churchill Downs features the favored Forte, guided by the renowned trainer Todd A. Pletcher, with opening odds of 3-1. Also in the race and trained by Pletcher are Tapit Trice (5-1) and Kingsbarns (12-1), both strong contenders for victory this Saturday.

2023 Kentucky Derby Post Positions and Odds

No. 1: Hit Show 30-1

No. 2: Verifying 15-1

No. 3: Two Phil’s 12-1

No. 4: Confidence Game 20-1

No. 5: Tapit Trice 5-1

No. 6: Kingsbarns 12-1

No. 7: Reincarnate 50-1

No. 8: Mage 15-1

No. 9: Skinner 20-1

No. 10: Practical Move 10-1

No. 11: Disarm 30-1

No. 12: Jace’s Road 50-1

No. 13: Sun Thunder 50-1

No. 14: Angel of Empire 8-1

No. 15: Forte 3-1

No. 16: Raise Cain 50-1

No. 17: Derma Sotogake 10-1

No. 18: Rocket Can 30-1

No. 19: Lord Miles 30-1

No. 20: Continuar 50-1

Forte

Starting with 3-1 odds and positioned in the advantageous No. 15 gate, Forte is the leading contender to claim the victory garland on Saturday. Under the guidance of Todd A. 

Pletcher, a trainer with two Derby triumphs (Super Saver and Always Dreaming) and an impressive 62 Derby appearances, Forte enters Churchill Downs on a winning streak of five consecutive races, which includes a notable victory in the Florida Derby on April 1.

Tapit Trice

At 5-1 odds, Tapit Trice is a noteworthy contender for Saturday’s race, also under the tutelage of Pletcher. Assigned to the No. 5 gate, where the 2017 Derby champion Always Dreaming emerged from, Tapit Trice boasts a winning streak of four straight races, featuring a victory in the 1⅛-mile Blue Grass Stakes on April 8.

Derma Sotogake

With 10-1 odds, Derma Sotogake may not be the top choice for Saturday’s victory, but he has the potential to be a rewarding wager. As one of two Japanese horses competing in this year’s Derby, Derma Sotogake captured attention with his win in the 1 3/16-mile UAE Derby, showcasing his impressive pace with a 1:55.81 time. 

Although UAE Derby horses haven’t typically fared well at Churchill Downs, Derma Sotogake’s remarkable speed has garnered expert attention.

Betting Tips for the Kentucky Derby 2023

This section will provide general betting tips to help you make informed decisions when placing your bets on the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

Research the Contenders

Before placing any bets, familiarize yourself with the top contenders participating in the race. Review their performance history, trainer, jockey, breeding, and track conditions in which they excel. This information can help you determine which horses have the best chance of performing well on race day.

Consider Various Betting Types

There are several types of bets available for the Kentucky Derby, including:

• Win: Betting on a horse to finish first.
• Place: Betting on a horse to finish first or second.
• Show: Betting on a horse to finish first, second, or third.
• Exacta: Betting on the first and second-place finishers in the correct order.
• Trifecta: Betting on the first, second, and third-place finishers in the correct order.
• Superfecta: Betting on the first, second, third, and fourth-place finishers in the correct order.

Each betting type offers different odds and payouts. Familiarize yourself with these betting options and determine which suits your risk tolerance and budget best.

Assess the Odds

Odds are an essential factor when placing bets. They indicate the probability of a specific outcome and determine the potential payout. Higher odds signify a lower probability of winning but yield a more significant return if the bet is successful. 

Conversely, lower odds represent a higher probability of winning, but the payout will be smaller.

When betting on the Kentucky Derby, remember that the odds can fluctuate leading up to the race. So pay attention to these changes and adjust your bets accordingly.

Study the Post Positions

The post position assigns each horse a numbered position at the starting gate. While some positions are more advantageous than others, it’s crucial to consider each horse’s running style when evaluating post positions. 

For example, speed horses might fare better from an outside post, while closers may have an advantage from an inner post.

Historically, certain post positions have produced more winners than others. Take note of these trends and consider them when placing your bets.

Analyze Track Conditions

The condition of the racetrack can significantly impact a horse’s performance. Monitor the weather leading up to the race and consider how it might affect the track surface. Some horses perform better on wet or muddy tracks, while others excel on a fast, dry surface—factor in the track conditions when making final selections.

Look for Value Bets

Value betting identifies bets with higher potential payouts than their implied probability suggests. In other words, look for horses with longer odds that you believe have a better chance of winning or placing than the odds imply. As a result, these value bets can offer a more significant return on investment, even if they come with a higher risk.

Manage Your Bankroll

Betting on horse racing can be exciting, but managing your bankroll is essential. Set a budget for your Kentucky Derby wagers and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses or placing impulsive bets. Instead, make informed decisions based on research and strategy.

Wrapping Up

The Kentucky Derby is thrilling; betting on the race can enhance the excitement. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of making successful wagers and potentially walk away with a profit.

Remember that the key to successful betting is conducting thorough research, understanding the various betting types, and carefully considering the factors that can impact a horse’s performance. Above all, the good news is, you can make the most of your Kentucky Derby betting experience by staying informed and managing your bankroll responsibly.