Every Kentucky Derby race has a favorite, and this year's event is no different. Bettors and experts have been talking about the favorite horse to win the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby and forgot that other horses could possibly win the race.
There is no certainty in horse racing, including the Kentucky Derby. Throughout the Kentucky Derby history, favorites don't win all the time. That's why you should also look into other competitors in the race and give them a chance to prove themselves.
It's also crucial that we create a list of other horses that you should consider in the upcoming Kentucky Derby race, including the following horses:
Angel of Empire
Angel of Empire is the second highest point earner in the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard. He earned 154 points in finishing second on the Smarty Jones Stakes and first on Risen Star and Arkansas Derby.
He currently holds 14-1 Kentucky Derby odds which is not bad. Angel of Empire is trained by Brad Cox, one of the best trainers today. Cox is a two-time Eclipse Award winner in 2020 and 2021. He won the country's outstanding trainer award.
Aside from having an outstanding trainer, Angel of Empire will also be ridden by one of the great jockeys of today, Flavien Prat. The duo's chemistry in the racetrack has already been incredible during their three derby prep race performances.
If you are looking for another horse to bet on this upcoming Kentucky Derby besides your favorite horse, you might want to consider putting your money on Angel of Empire.
Kingsbarns
The second derby contender that you should watch closely is Kingsbarns. Kingsbarns is trained by Todd Pletcher, the trainer of Forte, the favorite of the Fanduel KD picks this year. He is also considered a longshot derby contender, which is why many bettors are also eyeing him.
Kingsbarns entered only one derby prep race and won, which earned him 100 points putting him fifth on the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard. He also has an undefeated record since he started his racing career, which gives bettors confidence that he can win the race this May 6.
Kingsbarns have a solid bloodline as Uncle Mo's offspring, who was also a well-known racer in his time. His bloodline, trainer, and jockey proves that Kingsbarns have the right ingredients of a champion.
Raise Cain
Ninth on the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard and third on our list is Raise Cain. He currently holds 54 derby points and odds of 66-1. Ben Colebrook trains raise Cain. Colebrook has already trained countless champions in the horse racing industry, including Knicks Go, who won the Claiborne Breeders' Futurity in 2018.
Colebrook entered Raise Cain in two derby prep races, the Gun Runner Stakes and the Gotham Stakes, where he finished second and first, respectively. He is also expected to run on the Blue Grass Stakes, a great opportunity for bettors to watch his performance on the racetrack.
It has been noted on his Gotham race that Raise Cain is a closer-stalker runner. He preferred to drop back and make one strong late rally. The racehorse lacks an early speed like what he has shown in his Maiden race. So, this is good data that you should consider when betting for Raise Cain.
Reincarnate
Another horse you should include in your list is Tim Yakteen's Reincarnate. Reincarnate is number 13 on the derby prep race leaderboard with 45 qualifying points. He participated in three derby prep races and won one of them.
Although he didn't finish victorious in all three, Reincarnate ensures he won't fall below the third place in his two other races. It is also true with the past Reincarnates races outside the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Yakteen doesn't plan to enter Reincarnate in any more derby prep races yet, but many possibilities could still happen before the Kentucky Derby race. Reincarnate's trainer Tim Yakteen is one of the most respected horsemen in the industry and is a close friend of Bob Baffert, one of the most successful trainers in derby history.
Practical Move
Another Tim Yakteen horse that is worth watching out for this 2023 Kentucky Derby is Practical Move. He has acquired 60 derby points and ranked 6th on the derby prep race leaderboard. Practical Move competed in two derby prep races, the Los Alamitos Futurity, and San Felipe Stakes, and won in both races.
Yakteen plans to enter Practical Move to the Santa Anita Derby race and solidify his Kentucky Derby spot if they win. It is also an amazing chance for bettors like yourself to watch Practical Move in action and decide whether he is worth your investment or not.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bet smarter in the 2023 Kentucky Derby, you shouldn't only focus your attention and interest on the favorite. There are many other very promising contenders and various betting options to choose from and increase your chance of profiting. Make time to look deeper into the following horses mentioned above and see their value.
