The 2023 Kentucky Derby, the year’s most anticipated equestrian event, is almost here. The fact that the Kentucky Derby is one of the most-watched horse races worldwide ensures that its legacy will endure. The community has already picked a frontrunner for the contest, who is generating headlines at the moment. The public has selected Forte as the strongest contender in this year’s Kentucky Derby, but an expert with a proven track record has another horse on his list.
Those familiar with the scene will not need an introduction to Jody Demling. Demling is notorious for spotting winners in the days leading up to major horse races. This time, he has surprised the equestrian community by not selecting the pre-race favorite Forte for the 2023 Kentucky Derby, in favor of another horse of similar caliber.
A strong reason for not going with the equestrian world
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Fans of Forte’s great career have every right to hope that he will win the 2023 Kentucky Derby. In six of the seven races the three-year-old colt competed in, he won. The Curlin Florida Derby Presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa (Gr. 1), the Fountain of Youth Stakes (Gr. 2), the Hopeful Stakes (Gr. 1), the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (Gr. 1), the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (Gr. 1), and the Maiden Special Weight are among his victories. Despite these, expert Jody Demling still wasn’t persuaded.
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Demling is still certain that Forte will be a decisive force in the Derby, so he isn’t disputing the horse’s potential performance. However, he has his sights set on Two Phil’s for this year’s win. In his most recent race, the Jeff Ruby Steaks (Gr. 3) at Turfway Park, the horse showed the expert why he should be the one to take the Derby away from the pre-race favorite, Forte. According to a report by Bettors Insider, the three-year-old horse has only competed in eight races, but his recent form at the Jeff Ruby Streaks is confirmation that the fans should choose Two Phil’s if they want to predict a winner.
Meet the successor of the 2007 Kentucky Derby runner-up
The racehorse Two Phil’s is Hard Spun’s successor. In 2007, Hard Spun was an unbeatable racehorse. Additionally, he was the 2007 Kentucky Derby’s runner-up, finishing behind winner Street Sense. Two Phil’s, his successor, has surpassed all of his siblings in terms of career earnings and now stands at $683,450. The colt has had significant challenges throughout his career because of his inconsistent performance.
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Two Phil’s finished in last place in his debut race at Churchill Downs last June, but after being trained by trainer Larry Rivelli, he quickly rose to prominence in the horse racing world. Two Phil’s is ready for the Derby, as seen by his most recent race at Turfway Park. Thanks to his strong connection with rider Jareth Loveberry and his will to grab the race from the pre-race favorite Forte, Two Phil’s is one to watch out for.
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As the 2023 Kentucky Derby approaches, we’d like to know: which racing horse is your top pick? Tell us in the comments below.