WHO’S HOT Tapit Trice produced a career-best performance Saturday at Keeneland, where he won the Blue Grass Stakes by a neck. The win lifts Tapit Trice from borderline participant in the Kentucky Derby to legitimate contender. Tapit Trice is the 5-1 second choice on the Derby Watch early odds line by David Aragona; Forte is the 3-1 favorite. Derma Sotogake has arrived at Churchill Downs after his romp in the UAE Derby. Now that the major preps have been run and Kentucky Derby probable starters mostly settled, Aragona tabbed Derma Sotogake as the 6-1 third choice on Derby Watch. Angel of Empire and Practical Move, winners of the Arkansas Derby and Santa Anita Derby, are next at 8-1; Kingsbarns is 12-1. Verifying, the Blue Grass runner-up, finished nearly six lengths clear of third while running the best race of his career. Verifying, 15-1 on Derby Watch, makes the Derby field on points. Lord Miles joins the likely Derby field off his upset in the Wood Memorial. Jace’s Road, third in the Louisiana Derby, has sufficient points, although a mile and a quarter seems a reach. The challenge also applies to Blazing Sevens, a distant third in the Blue Grass. Lord Miles, Jace’s Road, and Blazing Sevens are points-qualified to make the Derby field. All are 50-1 on Derby Watch. Wild On Ice, who earned 50 points winning the Sunland Derby, will run in the Kentucky Derby, trainer Joel Marr told Daily Racing Form. Wild On Ice and Sun Thunder are listed at 50-1; Sun Thunder is leaning toward a Derby start, according to trainer Ken McPeek. :: KENTUCKY DERBY 2023: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more WHO’S NOT Geaux Rocket Ride spiked a temperature the morning of the Santa Anita Derby, scratched, and is out of the Kentucky Derby. National Treasure, fourth in the Santa Anita Derby, lacks sufficient points. Slip Mahoney’s sixth-place finish in the Wood eliminates him from the Kentucky Derby. ON THE BUBBLE Skinner, third in the Santa Anita Derby, is ranked 21st on the leaderboard. Pending the Lexington Stakes on Saturday at Keeneland, Skinner currently is first into the Derby field if there is a defection. Cyclone Mischief was ranked 22nd midweek, behind Skinner. On-the-bubble horses also include 40-pointers Major Dude, Mandarin Hero, King Russell, and Disarm, ranked 23-26 by Churchill Downs. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.