2023 Kentucky Derby Field - Forte

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. 

Forte is the current odds on favorite to win on Saturday. The Todd Fletcher trained thoroughbred is currently 3-1. Forte, who will leave from a post position of 15, was the best juvenile male during 2022 following his victory in the Breeders’ Futurity a Grade 1 event at Keeneland as well as the Breeders Cup Juvenile at Gulfstream, which is another Grade 1 event. Forte began 2023 with a victory at the Fountain of Youth Stakes in March followed by a victory at the Florida Derby in April at Gulfstream. Irad Ortiz Jr will ride aboard Forte. 

Forte had the most qualifying points of all thoroughbreds in the Kentucky Derby, the most wins and has also earned the most winnings in the field. Forte is one of just four horses to run a BSF of triple digits during his career. Trainer Pletcher will be looking for his third Derby win, while jockey Ortiz will be in search of his first.