Derby Favorites and Dark Horses of the 2023 Kentucky Race
Kentucky Derby 2023: A Race to Remember
The Kentucky Derby, the longest-running and most-watched horse racing event in the United States, is set to take place on May 5 and 6, 2023, at the iconic Churchill Downs. This year's race promises to be an exciting one, with several contenders vying for the coveted title.
Mage, ridden by jockey Javier Castellano, was the early favorite for the Kentucky Derby 2023. The horse lived up to expectations, winning the prestigious race that year. Mage's victory marked him as a key top performer of the year.
In addition to Mage, there are several other notable horses that have shown impressive performances in recent races. Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott, made history by winning both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes in 2025. He later dominated the Travers Stakes with a 10-length victory, demonstrating outstanding current form with multiple Grade 1 wins and a powerful finishing kick.
Mystik Dan, the 2024 Kentucky Derby winner, is aiming to prove his versatility by competing on different surfaces, such as grass, indicating strong all-around ability. Meanwhile, Forte, a front runner in the Kentucky Derby 2023, has already made a name for himself with wins in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile, Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland, Grade I Hopeful Stakes, and the 2023 Fountain of Youth (G2).
Other contenders include Giant Mischief, trained by Brad Cox, and Practical Move, trained by Tim Yakteen, who are both front runners in the Kentucky Derby 2023. Sakheer, sired by Zoffany out of Shortmile Lady, is another horse to watch. Brumlin Bloodstock bred Sakheer, and Varian Roger trains this colt. Jockey Egan David will mount him in the Kentucky Derby 2023.
Release Mccraken, who started racing in 2022, is another horse to keep an eye on. Trained by W. Bret Calhoun and ridden by Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez, Release Mccraken has raced at Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Keeneland, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Sam Houston. His lone stakes win is the 2023 Texas Heritage (RS).
Two Phil's is another horse in the Kentucky Derby 2023, but no additional details about its performance are provided. Acoustic Ave, a chestnut colt bred in New York, US, and owned by Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, is another exciting prospect. Acoustic Ave has raced at Aqueduct, Saratoga, and Finger Lakes. His stakes wins include the 2022 New York Breeders' Futurity (RS), 2022 Notebook (RS), and the 2022 Aspirant (RS). Manuel Franco was Acoustic Ave's jockey.
Mysterious Night, racing for Godolphin, LLC, won the 2022 Patteson Summer Stakes (G1) at Woodbine last September 17, 2022. Trained by Charles Appleby and ridden by William T. Buick, Mysterious Night is another horse to watch in the upcoming Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown series, and with such a strong lineup of contenders, this year's race is sure to be a thrilling one. Whether you're a seasoned horse racing fan or new to the sport, the Kentucky Derby 2023 promises to be an unforgettable event.
The Kentucky Derby 2023, being the first leg of the Triple Crown series, will feature various sports such as racing and horse-racing, showcasing some of the top performers in the industry. Contenders like Mage, Mystik Dan, Forte, Giant Mischief, Practical Move, Sakheer, Release Mccraken, Two Phil's, Acoustic Ave, and Mysterious Night are all set to race, offering a promising lineup for an unforgettable event.
