Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for Feb. 1, 2023
WHO’S HOT
Arabian Knight opens as the 6-1 favorite on the Daily Racing Form Derby Watch odds by David Aragona following his romp in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes on Jan. 28 at Oaklawn Park. As of midweek, it was unclear how Arabian Knight will qualify for the Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs has banned Baffert trainees from competing at the track or earning Derby points through this year’s Derby. The next start for Arabian Knight is to be determined.
Forte, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner and 8-1 second choice on the Derby Watch line, resumed workouts at Palm Beach Downs and will aim to a comeback in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth on March 4 at Gulfstream Park. Red Route Run, the well-bred closer who finished second in the Southwest, emerged from anonymity to open at 50-1 on the inaugural 2023 Derby Watch.
WHO’S NOT
The Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita is literally pointless. None of the 40 Kentucky Derby qualifying points in the Lewis will be awarded because all four entrants are trained by Baffert.
:: KENTUCKY DERBY 2023: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more
Extra Anejo, individual favorite in the first Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool in November based largely on a smashing career debut, is not listed on Derby Watch. Extra Anejo won his October debut by more than nine lengths but later underwent surgery for a bone chip from a hind ankle, as reported by DRF correspondent Marcus Hersh. Extra Anejo has not resumed workouts.
ON THE BUBBLE
Newgate and Worcester are among the Baffert quartet entered in the Lewis at Santa Anita and will be re-evaluated after Saturday. Litigate, allowance runner-up to Holy Bull contender Cyclone Mischief, will be considered heading into the Grade 3 Sam F. Davis on Feb. 11 at Tampa Bay Downs.
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