As the road to the Kentucky Derby 2024 unfolds, the anticipation and excitement within the horse racing community reach a fever pitch. Each year, this prestigious event showcases the finest thoroughbreds that have distinguished themselves on the racetrack, leading to the most exhilarating two minutes in sports.
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In this year’s run-up to the Derby, five remarkable horses have emerged as frontrunners, captivating audiences with their speed, agility, and sheer will to win. Their journeys to Churchill Downs are stories of determination, skill, and the unwavering spirit of competition that defines the heart of horse racing.
Below, we listed these equine athletes who are not just running a race but are galloping into history, setting the stage for an unforgettable Kentucky Derby 2024.
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Timberlake
Timberlake performed impressively as the expected 4-5 favorite, earning his place in the Kentucky Derby with a two-length win against Common Defense during the Grade 2, $1.25 million Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn last February 24.
The victory awarded him 50 points, significantly elevating his position in the race for the roses. With 66 points, it guaranteed his entrance into the 20-horse lineup at Churchill Downs.
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In his first appearance as a three-year-old, Timberlake demonstrated impressive versatility, securing a favorable spot just behind the leaders and comfortably positioning himself in fifth. Carbone set the pace up front, clocking the initial half-mile in 23.20 and 47.67 seconds.
If you follow the Kentucky Derby betting guide, you will see that choosing the contender with the best odds will increase your chance of winning a bet. As of this moment, the probable contender of the 2024 Kentucky Derby that has the best odds to win the event is Timberlake.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is the next horse on the list of the strongest contenders for the Road to the Kentucky Derby 2024. Sierra Leone is trained by Chad Brown and is owned by multiple owners.
He’s acquired at The Saratoga Sale, Fasig-Tipton’s premier New York yearling sale, for a purchase price of $2.3 million. Sierra Leone holds the third position in the Derby Dozen rankings by BloodHorse, which lists the top contenders for the Kentucky Derby, and is also ranked second in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Top 10 Poll for 3-year-olds.
Sierra Leone, trained by Chad Brown, secured a win by half a length in the mile-and-an-eight Risen Star on February 17, marking a successful start to his 3-year-old season. Having triumphed in two of his three races, the progeny of Gun Runner experienced his only defeat in a close finish in the mile-and-an-eighth Remsen Stakes (G2) during his second outing.
In that race, despite making a strong comeback from the last position to overtake the early leader, Dornoch, in the mid-stretch, Sierra Leone’s progress faltered, allowing Dornoch to edge ahead and clinch victory at the very last moment.
Track Phantom
Earning 30 points for the $5 million Kentucky Derby sponsored by Woodford Reserve through victories in the Gun Runner and the Lecomte (G3), Track Phantom surged into the $400,000 Risen Star Stakes (G2) on February 17 at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
There, he aimed to outperform 11 competitors and clinch a place in the 150th edition of the “Run for the Roses.” The Risen Star, marking the first prep race to distribute Kentucky Derby qualifying points on a 50-25-15-10-5 basis to its top five finishers, will challenge the endurance of 3-year-old colts over a distance of 1 1/18 miles.
The race concluded with Track Phantom finishing second with 1:52:13 on the clock. It was the main event of the “Louisiana Derby Preview Day” on February 17.
Fierceness
Among the strongest contenders of the Derby Prep Races is Fierceness. With his sleek black coat and penetrating gaze, this majestic creature captured the hearts of all who witnessed its power and agility.
Fierceness, renowned for his indomitable spirit and unmatched speed, transcended the typical confines of horse races to become a symbol of unyielding determination.
Before his racing debut, Fierceness was considered a highly promising horse in the racing community. He was under the guidance of the renowned trainer Todd Pletcher and owned by the influential Mike Repole, giving him a significant advantage.
Fierceness boasted an impressive lineage, with his father being City of Light, a horse celebrated for securing victories at both the Breeders’ Cup and the Pegasus World Cup, maintaining a record of never finishing below third in 11 starts.
Adding to his pedigree, his dam was the Repole-owned Nonna Bella, named after Mike Repole’s family matriarch, creating a strong sentimental value for Repole.
Common Defense
Common Defense, a three-year-old colt, has been active in races from 2023 to 2024. Born from the stallion Karakontie and the Street Cry mare Allusion, his training was under the guidance of Kenneth G. McPeek.
He currently has 27 points in the Road to the Kentucky Derby 2024 standings. He participated in the Rebel Stakes (G2) last February 24, where he showed amazing skill and agility in the racetrack, which helped him finish the event as a second placer.
Conclusion
The road to the Kentucky Derby 2024 showcased the remarkable talents of five standout horses, each bringing their unique strengths and thrilling performances to the forefront of the racing world. These equine athletes not only captivated the hearts of fans but also underscored the intense dedication, rigorous training, and strategic planning inherent in horse racing.
