It’s the first Saturday in May, which means it’s time for the 2023 Kentucky Derby. We’ve got everything you need to know about Kentucky Derby odds and more about the event.
America’s top 3-year-old thoroughbreds are set to run 1 1/4 miles at Churchill Downs later this afternoon. Here’s your guide to the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown
How to bet on the 2023 Kentucky Derby
You can wager on the Run for the Roses through advance deposit wagering platforms. FanDuel Racing, for instance, offers a place to watch and wager on horse racing on both web browsers and apps. It’s also offering a $20 no sweat bet on sign-up.
Latest Kentucky Derby odds
The Kentucky Derby is capped at 20 starters. This year’s field included the top 20 point-earners in Kentucky Derby prep races, plus three also-eligibles. After four scratches, all three AEs drew in, and the Derby will go with 19 runners.
The Kentucky Derby odds below are from FanDuel Racing. Click on the current odds to place your bet. All odds are subject to change.
Position | Horse | Current odds | Opening odds |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Hit Show | 24-1 | 30-1 |
2 | Verifying | 15-1 | 15-1 |
3 | Two Phil’s | 9-1 | 12-1 |
4 | Confidence Game | 18-1 | 20-1 |
5 | Tapit Trice | 9-2 | 5-1 |
6 | Kingsbarns | 11-1 | 12-1 |
7 | Reincarnate | 13-1 | 50-1 |
8 | Mage | 17-1 | 15-1 |
9 | SCRATCHED | SCRATCHED | |
10 | SCRATCHED | SCRATCHED | |
11 | Disarm | 25-1 | 30-1 |
12 | Jace’s Road | 30-1 | 50-1 |
13 | Sun Thunder | 30-1 | 50-1 |
14 | Angel of Empire | 7-2 (Favorite) | 8-1 |
15 | SCRATCHED | SCRATCHED | |
16 | Raise Cain | 30-1 | 50-1 |
17 | Derma Sotogake | 8-1 | 10-1 |
18 | Rocket Can | 28-1 | 30-1 |
19 | SCRATCHED | SCRATCHED | |
20 | SCRATCHED | SCRATCHED | |
21 | Cyclone Mischief | 28-1 | 30-1 |
22 | Mandarin Hero | 19-1 | 20-1 |
23 | King Russell | 30-1 | 50-1 |
Forte was the 3-1 morning line favorite. However, as of Saturday morning, he was scratched from the event. He came in on a five-race win streak, and he won an Eclipse Award as America’s top 2-year-old male last year. Most recently, Forte won the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park to record his fourth Grade 1 victory.
His stiffest competition could come from a familiar face. Like Forte, Tapit Trice is trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher (who saddles a bigger price, Kingsbarns, as well). Tapit Trice won the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland last time out, and he and his stablemate(s) could give Pletcher his third career Kentucky Derby victory.
Pletcher isn’t the only trainer with multiple Derby runners. Louisville native Brad Cox will saddle four horses Saturday, including a top contender. Angel of Empire won the Arkansas Derby at Churchill Downs to punch his ticket to Kentucky. He’ll be accompanied by stablemates Hit Show, Verifying and Jace’s Road.
What about the Japanese horses?
A pair of runners from the land of the rising sun will be part of the festivities. Derma Sotogake earned his way into the race with a romp in the UAE Derby on the Dubai World Cup undercard. He won that race by more than five lengths.
Mandarin Hero, meanwhile, had to draw in off the AE list after finishing second by a nose in the Santa Anita Derby. He’ll break from post position No. 22, and first-time Kentucky Derby jockey Kazushi Kimura will be along for the ride.
A third Japanese horse, Continuar, qualified for the Derby through several races in the Far East. However, he was scratched Thursday evening.
What to expect and how to watch
More than 150,000 people are expected to cram into Churchill Downs Saturday for the Kentucky Derby’s 149th renewal. The festivities include several other top-tier stakes races and plenty of things for track-goers to do between one race and the next.
Post time is set for 6:57 p.m. Eastern. However, Kentucky Derby betting will be open all day ahead of the race, which is the 12th of 14 races on the program. The first of those races is set for 10:30 a.m. Eastern (a bright and early 7:30 a.m. for those on Pacific Time).
Television coverage of the Kentucky Derby begins at noon ET on NBC broadcast stations and live streaming on Peacock.
Track-goers (and those attending Kentucky Derby parties) can expect to see plenty of expensive outfits on display (including, of course, hats). One can also anticipate the presence of mint juleps. The race’s official drink consists of bourbon, sugar, water, ice and, of course, mint.
Who won the previous Kentucky Derby?
One year ago, an 80-1 long shot drew in off the AE list and won the roses. Rich Strike navigated a winning trip from the No. 21 post position and rallied past Epicenter and Zandon in the final furlong.
Rich Strike paid $163.60 for a $2 win wager, the second-highest payout in Kentucky Derby history. Even with 4-1 favorite Epicenter running second, the $2 exacta paid $4,101.20.