Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for April 5, 2023
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WHO’S HOT
Angel of Empire uncorked an impressive late move Saturday at Oaklawn Park – and the biggest move this week on Derby Watch. After his decisive victory in the Arkansas Derby, Angel of Empire’s odds were trimmed from 30-1 to 8-1 by Derby Watch linemaker, David Aragona. Angel of Empire is co-second choice with Practical Move, who runs Saturday in the Santa Anita Derby. Mage returns to the Derby Watch list as a legitimate contender after a career-best effort finishing second behind Forte on Saturday in the Florida Derby. Mage broke slowly again, ran past Forte on the far turn, then flattened out. Mage is listed 15-1; Cyclone Mischief, third in the Florida Derby, makes the list at 30-1. Forte remains the Derby Watch favorite following his wide-trip victory. Aragona raised his price: Forte moves up a tick to 7-2.
:: KENTUCKY DERBY 2023: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more
WHO’S NOT
Rocket Can finished a flat fourth in the Arkansas Derby, but his 60 points assure a berth in the Kentucky Derby. Rocket Can’s Derby status depends on how he trains this month at Churchill Downs, trainer Bill Mott told Daily Racing Form reporter Mary Rampellini. Reincarnate also regressed; he ran third in the Arkansas Derby. Reincarnate has 45 points, probably enough to make the cut. He will target the Derby, racing manager Tom Ryan told DRF reporter David Grening. Red Route One finished sixth in the Arkansas Derby; he drops from Derby Watch with only 33 points. Confidence Game, whose Rebel victory increased his points total to 57, will either prep in the Lexington Stakes on April 15 at Keeneland or train into the Kentucky Derby.
ON THE BUBBLE
Disarm, the Louisiana Derby runner-up, has 40 points, currently the estimated benchmark for making the Kentucky Derby field. Wild On Ice earned 50 points winning the low-rated (77 Beyer) Sunland Derby. His status is expected to be made clear after he works Friday. Others who could join the list of prospective Derby starters after Saturday’s three major preps include Jace’s Road, 45 points; King Russell, 40 points; and Brave Emperor, who is guaranteed a berth via the European Road to the Kentucky Derby series. Brave Emperor’s status was undetermined as of midweek.
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