The Kentucky Derby is the ultimate test of speed and endurance for the best three-year-old thoroughbreds in the world. As this year’s race approaches, the anticipation and excitement continue to rise on which horses will top the race.
Top contenders have already begun to emerge after many prep races on the road to the Derby day. These horses have worked hard to earn their spot in the Kentucky Derby point standings. Plus, they represent the best of the best in the world of horse racing.
Some are familiar names, while others are rising stars in the scene. Regardless, all of them share a common goal: to be crowned the champion of the Kentucky Derby. To know them better, let’s dive into the exciting world of thoroughbred horse racing and discover which horses are leading the charge toward the Kentucky Derby finish line!
#1 Forte (190 points)
Forte’s journey to the Kentucky Derby has been nothing short of impressive. His early victory in the 2022 Breeder’s Futurity (G1) earned him ten points towards the Derby. However, it was his win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile just a month later that put him on the map, earning him a whopping 30 points.
The young colt continued his winning streak, dominating the Fountain of Youth Stakes in early March 2023, securing 50 points. And most recently, Forte took the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park by storm, crossing the finish line first and earning an incredible 100 points towards the Kentucky Derby.
With a total of 190 points, Forte is the clear Kentucky derby picks favorite heading into the big race. His speed, endurance, and track record make him a formidable opponent, and fans of horse racing worldwide eagerly anticipate his performance in the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
#2 Angel of Empire (154 points)
Angel of Empire is in second place on the 2023 Kentucky Derby Point Standings, bearing 154 points to his name. The journey to the Derby for this talented three-year-old colt began at the Smarty Jones Stakes, where he finished in second place, earning him a modest four points toward the big race.
The young colt won’t settle second though, proven when Angel of Empire finished first in the Risen Star Stakes. This earned him fifty more points toward the Kentucky Derby. His next outing was in the Arkansas Derby, where he again finished in first place, earning him an additional 100 points.
With his powerful strides and speed, this up-and-coming colt is poised to put on a show in the big race, and horse racing fans worldwide eagerly anticipate his performance.
#3 Two Phil’s (123 points)
Sitting in third place in the 2023 Kentucky Derby Point Standings is Two Phil’s, with a total of 123 points. He started with a second-place win in the Lecomte Stakes, earning eight points, and followed it up with a third-place finish in the Risen Star Stakes, securing fifteen more points.
On his next race, Two Phil showed he deserved a spot in the upcoming Derby when he dominated the Jeff Ruby Stakes, finishing first place and earning 100 points.
#4 Derma Sotogake (100 points)
In fourth place is Derma Sotogake, with 100 points. The young colt has only competed in just two prep races on the road to the Kentucky Derby, but his performances in those races have been truly remarkable, enough to put him in contention.
Derma Sotogake’s impressive win in the Zen Nippon Nisai Yushun showcased his potential as a top contender in the 2023 Kentucky Derby. This win was especially significant as it was the first time a horse had earned qualifying points for the Derby through a race in Japan.
Trained by Hidetaka Otonashi and ridden by Lemaire Christophe, Derma Sotogake demonstrated his ability to run against top competition. His victory in the UAE Derby further cemented his place as one of the top contenders in this year’s Kentucky Derby.
Despite only competing in two prep races, Derma Sotogake has already earned enough points to secure a spot in the starting gate for the “Run for the Roses.” His presence in the field adds an exciting international flavor to the race, as he represents Japan’s hopes of securing a victory in one of the most prestigious horse races in the world.
#5 Kingsbarns (100 points)
Kingsbarns is a strong contender for the Kentucky Derby title, sitting comfortably in fifth place. The three-year-old colt showed his true potential in the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds, finishing first and earning 100 points.
Conclusion
As the race draws near, all eyes will be on these top five horses in the point standings, each with their unique story and journey to the starting line. It remains to be seen who will emerge victorious, but one thing is for sure: the 2023 Kentucky Derby is shaping up to be an exciting event for horse racing fans worldwide.
