The Kentucky Derby is among the world’s most prestigious horse racing events. The event draws thousands of spectators and millions of viewers from around the globe. As with any major sporting event, betting is a big part of the Kentucky Derby experience, and jockey picks play a crucial role in determining the Kentucky Derby odds.
Knowing jockey picks before betting on the Kentucky Derby is crucial for making informed bets. Jockeys can significantly impact a horse’s performance in a race, as they are responsible for guiding the horse, maintaining its speed and stamina, and making strategic decisions throughout the race. A jockey’s experience, skill level, and familiarity with the track can all affect the outcome of a race and, ultimately, the Kentucky Derby betting odds.
Therefore, understanding which jockeys are expected to perform well at the Kentucky Derby can give bettors a significant advantage in predicting the race’s outcome. Bettors knowledgeable about jockey picks can make more informed bets, increasing their chances of winning and earning a significant payout. Additionally, betting on a horse with a top jockey pick can provide bettors with confidence and reassurance, knowing they have the support of a skilled and experienced jockey. Ultimately, knowing jockey picks is an essential factor to consider when betting on the Kentucky Derby.
Top Jockeys to Watch Out for at the 2023 Kentucky Derby
The 2023 Kentucky Derby is expected to feature some of the best jockeys in the sport, each with their unique skill set and track record. Here are some of the top jockeys to watch out for at the event, along with their past performances, current form, and notable achievements leading up to the race.
John Velazquez
John Velazquez is a successful jockey in the sport’s history, with over 5,000 career wins and over $400 million in earnings. He has won the Kentucky Derby twice, first in 2011 with Animal Kingdom and again in 2017 with Always Dreaming.
Velazquez is known for his patience and strategic riding style, which has helped him win countless races. He is also a skilled tactician, able to adjust his riding style to suit his horse’s particular strengths and weaknesses.
In the 2023 Kentucky Derby lead-up, Velazquez has demonstrated his skill and form, winning several major races, including the Travers Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Joel Rosario
Joel Rosario is another highly successful jockey with an impressive track record. He has won over 2,500 races, including the 2013 Kentucky Derby with Orb.
Rosario is known for his aggressive riding style and ability to get the best out of his horses in high-pressure situations. He has a particular talent for timing his rides to perfection, often making late surges to take the lead in the final stretch of a race.
Rosario has recently excelled, winning several major races, including the Belmont Stakes and the Dubai World Cup. His current form and experience make him a strong contender for the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
Flavien Prat
Flavien Prat is a rising star in horse racing, with over 1,000 career wins and multiple major victories. He has yet to win the Kentucky Derby, but his recent performances suggest he is a jockey to watch out for in the future.
Prat is known for his smooth and effortless riding style, which allows him to get the most out of his horses without putting them under unnecessary strain. He is also a skilled tactician, making quick decisions on the fly to give his horse the best chance of success.
In the 2023 Kentucky Derby lead-up, Prat has been in excellent form, winning several major races, including the Kentucky Oaks and the Pacific Classic. His talent and potential make him a strong candidate to win the event in the coming years.
Irad Ortiz Jr.
Irad Ortiz Jr. is another highly successful jockey with an impressive track record. He has won over 3,000 races, including major victories like the Breeders’ Cup Classic and the Pegasus World Cup.
Ortiz Jr. is known for his aggressive and determined riding style, which allows him to push his horses to their limits in high-pressure situations. He is also a skilled tactician, able to read the race and make quick decisions to give his horse the best possible chance of success.
In the 2023 Kentucky Derby lead-up, Ortiz Jr. has demonstrated his skill and form, winning several major races, including the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. His experience and talent make him a top contender for the event.
Luis Saez
Luis Saez is a highly talented jockey with an impressive track record. He has won over 2,000 races, including multiple major victories such as the Travers Stakes and the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
Saez is known for his confident and aggressive riding style, which allows him to take risks and make bold moves when necessary. He is also a skilled tactician, able to read the race and adjust his riding style to suit his horse’s particular strengths and weaknesses.
Saez has recently demonstrated his skill and form, winning several major races, including the Pegasus World Cup and the Whitney Stakes. His experience and talent make him a strong contender for the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
Tyler Gaffalione
Tyler Gaffalione is a rising star in horse racing, with over 1,000 career wins and multiple major victories. He has yet to win the Kentucky Derby, but his recent performances suggest he is a jockey to watch out for in the future.
Gaffalione is known for his patient and strategic riding style, which allows him to conserve his horse’s energy and make a late surge in the final stretch of a race. He is also a skilled tactician, making quick decisions on the fly to give his horse the best possible chance of success.
In the lead-up to the 2023 Kentucky Derby, Gaffalione has been in excellent form, winning several major races, including the Haskell Invitational and the Travers Stakes. His talent and potential make him a strong candidate to win the event in the coming years.
These six jockeys are some of the top contenders to watch out for at the 2023 Kentucky Derby. Each of them brings their unique skill set and riding style to the table, and each has demonstrated their talent and form in major races leading up to the event. While it’s impossible to predict the outcome of any horse race with certainty, these jockeys are among the favorites to win the event. They could provide a significant return for those betting on the Kentucky Derby.
Many other jockeys are competing in the event, and any of them could be surprised with a strong performance on the day. When betting on the Kentucky Derby, it’s important to consider all the factors involved, including the horse’s form, the trainer’s track record, and the jockey’s experience and riding style. By doing so, bettors can make more informed decisions and increase their chances of winning on race day.
| PP | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hit Show | Franco | Brad H. Cox | West, Gary and Mary | 30-1 |
| 2 | Verifying | Gaffalione | Brad H. Cox | Poulin, Jonathan, Westerberg, Magnier, Mrs. John, Smith, Derrick and Tabor, Michael B. | 15-1 |
| 3 | Two Phil’s | Loveberry | Larry Rivelli | Patricia’s Hope LLC and Sagan, Phillip | 12-1 |
| 4 | Conficence Game | Graham | J. Keith Desormeaux | Don’t Tell My Wife Stables | 20-1 |
| 5 | Tapit Trice | Saez | Todd A. Pletcher | Whisper Hill Farm, LLC and Gainesway Stable (Antony Beck) | 5-1 |
| 6 | Kingbarns | J. Ortiz | Todd A. Pletcher | Spendthrift Farm LLC | 12-1 |
| 7 | Reincarnate | Velazquez | Tim Yakteen | SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Masterson, Robert E., Stonestreet Stables LLC, Schoenfarber, Jay A., Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine | 50-1 |
| 8 | Mage | Castellano | Gustavo Delgado | OGMA Investments, LLC, Restrepo, Ramiro, Sterling Racing LLC and CMNWLTH | 15-1 |
| SCR | Skinner | Hernandez | John A. Shirreffs | C R K Stable | 20-1 |
| SCR | Practical Move | Vazquez | Tim Yakteen | Amestoy, Jr., Pierre Jean, Amestoy, Leslie A. and Beasley, Roger K. | SCR |
| 9 | Disarm | Rosario | Steven M. Asmussen | Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC | 30/1 |
| 10 | Jace’s Road | Geroux | Brad H. Cox | West Point Thoroughbreds and Albaugh Family Stables LLC | 15-1 |
| 11 | Sun Thunder | Hernandez Jr | Kenneth G. McPeek | R.T Racing Stable and Cypress Creek Equine | 30-1 |
| 12 | Angel Of Empire | Prat | Brad H. Cox | Albaugh Family Stables LLC | 8-1 |
| SCR | Forte | I. Ortiz JR. | Todd A. Pletcher | Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable | 3-1 |
| 13 | Raise Can | Corrales | Ben Colebrook | Warren, Andrew and Warren, Rania | 15-1 |
| 14 | Derma Sotogake | Lemaire | Hidetaka Otonashi | Hiroyuki Asanuma | 10-1 |
| 15 | Rocket Can | Alvarado | William I. Mott | Frank Fletcher Racing Operations, Inc. | 15-1 |
| SCR | Lord Miles | Lopez | Todd A. Pletcher | Vegso Racing Stable | 30-1 |
| SCR | Continuar | Sakai | Yoshito Yahagi | Lion Race Horse Co. Ltd. | 50-1 |
| 16 | Cyclone Mischief | J. Rosario | D. Romans | Albaugh Family Stables LLC and Castleton Lyons. | 30-1 |
| 17 | Mandarin Hero | Kazushi Kimura | Terunobu Fujita | Hiroaki Arai. | 20-1 |
| 18 | King Russell | Rafael Bejarano | Ron Moquett | Jones, Brereton C. and Naber Racing, LLC | 50-1 |
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
