2023 Kentucky Derby Betting Preview

The race for the Triple Crown will get underway this weekend with the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

At the Bovada Sportsbook the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby is Forte at +300. Forte has been a consistent winner throughout his racing career with first-place finishes in the Fountain of Youth Stakes and the Florida Derby this year and four wins last year as a two-year-old.

Forte is trained by Todd Pletcher, who has sent two horses to the winner’s circle in the Derby before, including Always Dreaming in 2017 and Super Saver in 2010.

Pletcher is also the trainer for Tapit Trice, who follows Forte on the Kentucky Derby odds at +500. Tapit Trice has three wins this year, which includes visiting the winner’s circle in the Tampa Bay Derby and the Blue Grass Stakes.

Angel of Empire follows along on Derby odds

Following Tapit Trice on the odds list are Angel of Empire at +900, and Practical Move and Derma Sotogake both at +1000.

Angel of Empire is trained by Brian Cox, who trained Derby winner Mandaloun in 2021. Angel of Empire won the Arkansas Derby and the Risen Star Stakes earlier this year and finished second in the Smarty Jones Stakes.

From the +1000 duo, Practical Move has had the most success with wins in the Santa Anita Derby and the San Felipe Stakes. Derma Sotogake is from Japan and will be making his North American debut after previously winning the UAE Derby and finishing second in the Saudi Derby.

Forte draws No. 15 post for Kentucky Derby

If you place your wagers based on post position Forte has drawn the No. 15 post which has housed six former Derby winners, with the last being Authentic in 2020.

History is on Tapit Trice’s side as he has drawn the No. 5 post. No. 5 has housed the most Derby winners all time with 10. The last winner to start at No. 5 was Super Saver in 2010.

The post for the other notables include Angel of Empire in No. 14 (two former winners), Practical Move in No. 10 (nine former winners), and Derma Sotogake in No. 17 (no winners).

Don’t forget that in last year’s Kentucky Derby Rich Strike pulled off a massive upset by winning at huge 80/1 odds. If there’s going to be another upset winner this year some horses that might have a shot include Two Phil’s at +1400, Verifying at +1600, and Hit Show at +3000.