HorseCenter: Kentucky Derby 2024 contenders & pretenders

By Brian Zipse & Matt Shifman
Photo:

This week on HorseCenter, Brian Zipse and Matt Shifman move closer to the first Saturday in May and Kentucky Derby 2024. Your hosts analyze the prospective field in more depth by categorizing each horse as a contender or pretender and which ones they see as wagering possibilities.

Matt and Brian agree on five 3-year-olds that have the best chance to win the run for the roses. That short list contains the two consensus favorites in Fierceness and Sierra Leone and a probable long shot. The guys also identify the horses they will consider for their exacta and trifecta tickets. They also narrow down the field by marking several prospective runners who can be eliminated from consideration.

The field for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby will be drawn Saturday evening at Churchill Downs. Brian and Matt will be back on Tuesday with analysis of the post-position draw and their suggested wagers for the Kentucky Oaks and the Derby.

Read More

Classic runners: Who’s retired and which stars will return?
In the 10 days since the Breeders’ Cup Classic, word has filtered out about which runners will return...
Beckman sees a 'big year' for Regaled after BC Distaff effort
If Whit Beckman was disappointed with Regaled 's third-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Distaff, you wouldn't know...
Speed figures: These are last week's fastest stakes winners
Touchuponastar earned a 138 Horse Racing Nation speed figure for his 10-length win in Saturday's Delta Mile at...
Concrete Glory goes for repeat in Claiming Crown Express
Even though the 6-year-old gelding Concrete Glory has competed in graded stakes and most recently won a top-level...
Tuesday works: Ozara leads graded winners on tab
Ozara breezed four furlongs in 51.4 at Belmont Park on Tuesday. It was the 22nd fastest of 25...