2023 Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for March 15, 2023

WHO’S HOT

Depending on who you ask, Tampa Bay Derby winner Tapit Trice either cemented his status as a top Derby contender or exposed himself as lacking the mental fortitude for a 20-horse Derby stampede. His Derby Watch odds of 10-1 reflect those mixed reactions to Saturday’s victory. Derby Watch favorite Forte’s odds dropped from 4-1 to 3-1 following the defection of the horse many viewed to be his main rival. Gotham runner-up Slip Mahoney, who barely missed the cut last week, takes this week’s extra spot, listed at 50-1.

:: KENTUCKY DERBY 2023: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more

WHO’S NOT

Arabian Knight was removed from Derby Watch after his connections announced last weekend that he was no longer under consideration for the Kentucky Derby following an unsatisfactory workout. The former Bob Baffert trainee, who was transferred to Tim Yakteen, had been listed at 8-1 on Derby Watch. He will point to a summer or fall campaign. Fellow Yakteen runner National Treasure, who scratched from the San Felipe with a foot issue, on Tuesday registered his first workout since Feb. 19. The Grade 1-placed colt currently has zero points and can afford no more setbacks. Daily Racing Form’s Marcus Hersh reported that Confidence Game, 20-1 on Derby Watch, won’t start in the Louisiana Derby. Trainer Keith Desormeaux wants to give the colt ample time to recover from his winning effort in the Rebel and now is now eyeing an April prep.

on the bubble

Classic Car Wash, second in the Tampa Bay Derby, was left off Derby Watch this week despite moving up to 10th in the points race with 26. Three March 25 prep races will offer 100 points to the winners. Tapit’s Conquest, fourth after a wide trip in the Risen Star, is possible for the Louisiana Derby. Multiple turf stakes winner Major Dude, stablemate of Forte and Tapit Trice, is expected to contest Turfway’s Jeff Ruby Steaks on synthetic. Several Japanese Derby hopefuls are targeting the UAE Derby as a gateway to Churchill Downs. Derma Sotogake, recently third in the Saudi Derby, and Dura Erede, a Grade 1 winner on turf in Japan, are two intriguing prospects for that race.

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