150th Kentucky Derby Promises Thrills.

Top Contenders Emerge

By: Lindy Almaguer

Wednesday, March 27th, 2024

Photo by Lindy Almaguer. Churchill Downs 03-26-2024

Louisville, Kentucky โ€” As the Kentucky Derby approaches, racing enthusiasts around the world await the 150th edition of this prestigious event. Scheduled for Saturday, May 4, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the 2024 Derby promises a historic and unparalleled display of talent from the world’s finest 3-year-old thoroughbreds.


As the excitement builds up, there’s a lot of talk and guessing about which horses will stand out and make a big impression in this important race with such a long history. Fans and betting experts wonder who will ultimately triumph and take home the roses. Three formidable contenders have captured the spotlight, drawing my attention, so I have created my own list of of potential horses with a chance of winning “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” and the reasons behind their chances of claiming victory.

photo by Lindy Almaguer . 03-26-2024 Churchill Downs

Kentucky Derby 2024 Contenders

RankRatingSilksHorse / SireTrainer / JockeyLast Start (Speed), Race / Next Start
17.27Silk for Sierra LeoneSierra Leone
Gun Runner
C. Brown
T. Gaffalione
1st (93), 2024 Risen Star G2
2024 Blue Grass Stakes G1
27.08Silk for DornochDornoch
Good Magic
D. Gargan
L. Saez
1st (94), 2024 Fountain of Youth G2 
2024 Blue Grass Stakes G1
37.01Silk for FiercenessFierceness
City of Light
T. Pletcher
J. Velazquez
3rd (94), 2024 Holy Bull G3 
2024 Florida Derby G1
46.91Silk for Track PhantomTrack Phantom
Quality Road
S. Asmussen
J. Rosario
4th (92), 2024 Louisiana Derby G2
2024 Kentucky Derby G1
56.84Silk for Mystik DanMystik Dan
Goldencents
K. McPeek
A. asda
1st (104), 2024 Southwest Stakes G3 
2024 Arkansas Derby G1
66.73Silk for TimberlakeTimberlake
Into Mischief
B. Cox
C. Torres
1st (100), 2024 Rebel Stakes G2 
2024 Arkansas Derby G1
76.71Silk for Catching FreedomCatching Freedom
Constitution
B. Cox
F. Prat
1st (95), 2024 Louisiana Derby G2
2024 Kentucky Derby G1
86.70Silk for HadesHades
Awesome Slew
J. Orseno
P. Lopez
1st (97), 2024 Holy Bull G3 
2024 Florida Derby G1
96.64Silk for Domestic ProductDomestic Product
Practical Joke 
C. Brown
T. Gaffalione
1st (88), 2024 Tampa Bay Derby G3 
2024 Wood Memorial G2
Source: Horse Daily Nation

My top 3

My first pick for the next Kentucky Derby winner is everyone’s favorite horse Sierra Leone

Boasting odds of 7-1, this formidable colt, trained by Chad Brown, has showcased incredible speed and agility. Despite narrowly missing a victory in the Remsen Stakes, Sierra Leone came back with a convincing win in the Risen Star Stakes. Fans believe his spirit sets him apart from the competition.

Timberlake: Another contender to watch is Timberlake, who made a winning debut in 2024 by triumphing in the Rebel Stakes. Despite initial doubts about his performance in varying track conditions, Timberlake’s victory in the Rebel Stakes has shocked the critics and solidified his place among the top contenders.

Catching Freedom: While lacking specific odds, Catching Freedom has captured the imagination of fans with his graceful style and two wins in the Smarty Jones Stakes and the Louisiana Derby. With a name that embodies Derby dreams, Catching Freedom could possibly make a mark on the race.

Learning from statistics

We can also look at the points standings for the 2024 Road to the Kentucky Derby to see who’s doing well. Catching Freedom is in the lead with 125 points. Timberlake is currently number 6 with 66 points and Sierra Leone is number 7 with 55 points. This shows they’re all strong contenders. Let’s always remember that everyone’s favorite horse only wins one third of the time, so things could change the day of the race.

Figuring out the odds for the Derby involves looking at things like how well the horses have done before, how successful their jockeys and trainers are, and what people think about them. As the race gets closer, the odds might change based on what’s happening in the racing world.

Photo by Lindy Almaguer

As the countdown to the 150th Kentucky Derby continues, horses like Sierra Leone, Timberlake, and Catching Freedom are ready to make their mark in history. People all over the world are watching as these amazing horses get ready for the big race at Churchill Downs. I am sure one of the 3 will become the next star.


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