The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown and is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky. The 149th edition of the race took place on May 6th, 2023, with 20 horses competing for the chance to win the coveted Run for the Roses. Forte was the favorite to win with odds of 9-2, followed closely by Tapit Trice and Angel of Empire. The race was held under cool and potentially rainy conditions at Churchill Downs, which could have led to a muddy track.
Forte had an impressive track record leading up to the race, winning the Florida Derby and the Breeders Cup' Juvenile in the previous year. Tapit Trice, also trained by Todd Pletcher, won the Blue Grass Stakes and Tampa Bay Derby, while Angel of Empire was trained by Brad H. Cox and had been building momentum since early in the year, winning the Arkansas Derby.
In terms of trainers, Todd Pletcher was a favorite with two previous Derby wins, including Super Saver in 2010 and Always Dreaming in 2017. Brad H. Cox, who had won two of the three Triple Crown races in 2021, was also a top contender with four horses in the race, including Angel of Empire, Hit Show, Verifying, and Jace's Road.
As for post positions, the most advantageous were historically No.5, followed by No.10 and No.8. Post positions No.1 and No.2 were seen as difficult breaks for Hit Show and Verifying, while anything outside of No.12 was considered a sweet spot.
The race was won by Reincarnate, ridden by jockey Tim Yakteen and trained by Doug O'Neill, who had previously won the Derby in 2012 and 2016. Reincarnate was a sleeper pick with odds of 22-1 and a lack of experience compared to other horses in the race. The win marked a breakthrough for Yakteen, who had been a late bloomer in the Derby.
Overall, the 2023 Kentucky Derby was an exciting race with unexpected outcomes and strong contenders. It showcased the talent and hard work of both horses and trainers and continued the tradition of one of the most prestigious horse races in the world.
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