2023 Kentucky Derby Field - Angel of Empire

The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place at Churchill Downs on Saturday May 6. The most talented 3-year-old thoroughbreds in the country will leave the gate on Saturday afternoon. The field is expected to be very strong and will be a battle throughout the 1 ¼-mile event. More than 150,000 spectators will be on hand, while millions more are expected to watch across the globe. 

The Brad Cox trained Angel of Empire will leave from the 14th gate and is currently third in odds at 8-1. Angel of Empire opened many horse racing eyes in February when winning the Group 2 Risen Star. He followed that with a victory at the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby in April at Oaklawn Park, easily winning by over four lengths.

Angel of Empire has shown no signs of letting up, leading up to the Kentucky Derby and must be considered one of the favorites to reach the Winner's Circle. Angel of Empire prefers to run from off the pace and track down his victims down the final stretch with a very strong closing kick. Trainer Cox was victorious in the 2021 Kentucky Derby through a disqualification.