2023 Kentucky Derby Field - Verifying

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. 

Verifying is sitting at 15-1, which is the sixth best odds and will leave from the second gate which could work to his favor as he likes to press the pace and must get out of the gate quick and to the front before the first corner to not be trapped on the rail. Verifying had the lead down the stretch at the Blue Grass but was caught by Tapit Trice but pressing the pace could be an advantage since pace pressers have had recent success at the Derby.

Verifying is trained by Brad Cox and is one of four horses from the Cox barn to run on Saturday. Cox was victorious in the Derby in 2021, winning on a disqualification. Riding on board verifying will be Tyler Gaffalione. The key to success for Verifying is that he is able to get out front early which means a very fast start out of the gate is needed so he can set the pace he prefers and attempt to hold on down the stretch when the closers make their move.