Prediction
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Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesLast year's Derby provided one of the most stunning results in the history of the event as 80-1 long shot Rich Strike came away with the victory at Churchill Downs.
He was entered into the race just 30 minutes ahead of the Friday deadline but still managed to beat out an impressive field.
And with several very consequential scratches in the lead up to the race—Forte, Practical Move and Lord Miles—another miracle may be possible.
But you probably shouldn't bet on it. Because even with those three favorites absent, it's still a very strong and much more straightforward field compared to 2022.
Without Forte running in the derby—out with a bruised right front foot—another Todd Pletcher-trained horse is the favorite to win it all in Tapit Trice.
Tapit Trice enters Saturday on a four-race win streak, boosting his profile after winning the Blue Grass Stakes back on April 8. He will be giving plenty of people nerves, as he's known best as a powerful late runner who really turns up the pressure towards the end of a race to come up with the win.
He finished fourth in Kentucky Derby qualifying behind Forte, Practical Move and Angel of Empire, who is the co-favorite to win the race.
Aside from Forte and Practical Move, the rest of the top five in qualifying, Angel of Empire, Tapit Trice and Two Phil's are all good to go and lead a pretty loaded field.
All three of those horses have had some very impressive wins in the lead up to the derby and the winner will come out of that group.
After a shocker last year, the race is due for a hard return to the mean with a favorite coming out on top.
Prediction: Tapit Trice wins the Kentucky Derby
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