With the biggest equestrian festival just around the corner, preparations are in full swing. Horses and their Jockeys are gearing up for the 2023 Kentucky Derby. While others might just aim for the race, two horses -Kingsbarn and Mage, have their eyes on a different price. Though their ultimate goal might be the Derby, the two are in line to achieve the feat off just three starts. Since the inception of the race, only three horses have been able to achieve the feat.

It was first done by Regret in 1917, followed by Seattle Slew in 1977. Then over a century after Regret, Justify claimed the feat in 2018. Now, half a decade later, two more horses have the potential to cement their name in this history. So who are these horses and what are the odds of them winning?

The strive to make history at Kentucky Derby 2023

In the past, many like Curlin, Dunkirk, Materiality, and Rock Your World, have come close to achieving the feat, but couldn’t succeed. Now Mage and Kingsbarn are the front-runners for that prize. Both have entered the contest with just three starts. However, judging from the result of their respective races, Kingsbarn seems to have the upper hand.

Reportedly, out of the three starts, Kingsbarn has clinched the first spot in all three. This also included the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby. However, Mage has been victorious in just 1 of his 3 starts. A few weeks ago in the Florida Derby, he came in second after Forte. Apart from the two, the rest 22 of the 24 horses have made 5-8 starts so far. Even the current Derby favorite Forte stands at 6 for 7.

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As the two gear up for the upcoming race, let’s look at their performance so far.

Kingsbarn and Mage: Performance stats

Kingsbarn made his debut earlier this year on 14 January at the Gulfstream. Later he traveled to Tampa in February where he won a two-turn allowance on the 13th. His stride at the end was the highlight of that race. Post this he was shipped to Fair Grounds where he participated in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby. On March 25 he won in the 1 3/16 miles at the said tournament making it his third victory of the season. Moreover, if Kingsbarn manages to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby he’ll also become the first Louisiana Derby winner since 1996.

Mage, on the other hand, has had a rocky run so far. Though with seven furlongs he won his debut at Gulfstream on January 28, he had an unfortunate finish on March 4. In the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, he collided with the side gates resulting in him tripping and finishing 4th at the said event. Following that he was close to claiming the spot at the Florida Derby but was taken over by Forte in the last minute. However, trainer Gustavo Delgado believes he’s best suited for the upcoming race.

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With that, it would be interesting to watch if the final showdown would be between the two or will a third one swoop in to claim the final spot.