The Breeders’ Cup wrapped up in sunny Southern California this past weekend, and — unless you’re an absolute fanatic, who keeps track of the sport in Australia and South Africa — with it came the conclusion of the 2023 horse racing season for fans in the northern hemisphere.
As the focus begins to turn to 2024, here’s a look at the highlights from this past season, as well as predictions and storylines to keep an eye on for next year.
Horse Racing: the Year in Review
Upset victories are part of why people love to watch the races, and the 2023 Triple Crown races contained plenty of them. Fresh off of a 1 ½ lengths win in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile race, Forte — a trainee of the legendary Todd A. Pletcher — was listed as a heavy favorite in the Kentucky Derby with odds as high as 3-to-1 the morning of.
The four time Grade 1 winner was pulled from the field just hours before “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” was set to begin, though, suffering from a bruised heel.
Mage, who sat roughly in the middle of the pack at 15-to-1 when the odds closed, ended up claiming the win in a race marred by a slew of horse deaths. The three year old colt began his racing career earlier that year, becoming one of just four to win the Kentucky Derby without having raced as a two year old.
Mage was the only horse in the Derby to attempt the quick turnaround and take part in the Preakness Stakes two weeks later in pursuit of a Triple Crown win: he ended up finishing third. National Treasure took home the victory in Baltimore with a nail biting finish over Blazing Sevens, who was barely a head behind him.
Forte was again named the favorite for the Belmont Stakes but finished in second place, 1 ½ lengths behind Arcangelo: that ended up being the closest the prize colt would ever come to a Triple Crown victory, as he was retired this October because of a lingering heel crack left him unable to compete in the Breeders’ Cup.
Triple Crown 2024: Way Too Early Odds and Predictions
Enter the thrilling world of horse racing with Fierceness, a standout contender in the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Crafted under the expertise of trainer Todd Pletcher, Fierceness stormed to an early lead on the path to the Derby by claiming victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile race with astonishing dominance. Boasting a commanding 6 ¼ lengths lead over his closest rival in this prestigious event, Fierceness is not just a horse; he’s a force to be reckoned with, backed by an outstanding pedigree and guided by one of the sport’s legendary trainers.
As the winter unfolds, Fierceness is poised to be the talk of the town, generating significant buzz if he maintains his winning ways. Yet, the excitement doesn’t hinge solely on one horse. Whether it’s Fierceness or another equine athlete that emerges as the frontrunner at the 150th running of the Derby next spring, one thing is certain – the anticipation will be palpable.
For those looking to add an extra layer of thrill to the races, whether it’s Fierceness or another contender stealing the spotlight, using an ESPN Bet Kentucky promo code is the key to enhancing the experience. As the 2024 Road to the Kentucky Derby kicks off in earnest, this promo code ensures you’re not just witnessing the races; you’re locking in the best possible odds for the chance to win big. Seize the moment, embrace the excitement, and bet with confidence using the ESPN Bet Kentucky promo code – because in the world of horse racing, every race is an opportunity for greatness.
2024 Road to the Kentucky Derby
The 2024 Kentucky Derby is set for May 4, with just 20 horses qualifying for the exclusive event (along with four alternates in case of late withdrawals from the field). In order to qualify for the event, horses have to rack up points based on the position they finish in during specific prep races over the next few months.
The Breeders’ Cup was the first of those major events, which is why Fierceness leads the field with 30 points, but once the calendar rolls around to March and April we’ll see winners raking in 100 points per race. All in all, the Road to the Kentucky Derby consists of more than 35 races on three continents: Japan and Europe each have their own specific roads to the derby in order to secure a candidate in the prestigious race.
Most of these races sit in the Grade II and III categories — although some, like the Rebel Stakes, still boast a prize purse of more than $1 million despite their lower ranking — until the racing season begins in earnest.
The Championship Series is where things really start to pick up, with February’s first leg easing us into the racing action before the final, frantic two weeks of the second leg, with eight races that play a major role in the standings. The second leg concludes on April 6, and while there’s a final shot to jockey for position with the Wild Card Lexington Stakes the following weekend, from there on out there’s a dead period until the Derby begins.
In Summary
The 2023 horse racing season has wrapped up, featuring unexpected upsets and memorable moments. As we reflect on this season, all eyes turn to 2024.
Fierceness, trained by Todd A. Pletcher, has emerged as an early favorite on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, following a dominant win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile race. Horses earn points in prep races, with the Championship Series in February being a crucial phase. The road ahead includes over 35 races on three continents, leading to the Derby in May. As we anticipate the 2024 season, the horse racing world eagerly awaits the emergence of new contenders.