The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated horse races in the world. It is a symbol of American culture, history, and tradition. The event draws thousands of spectators and generates millions of dollars in revenue. The 2023 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for May 7th, and as the big day approaches, the field of horses is taking shape. However, there have been some recent developments with five horses being scratched from the race. In this blog post, we will discuss who will compete in the 2023 Kentucky Derby after these withdrawals.

The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky. It is the first leg of the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. The race is run on a dirt track and covers a distance of one and a quarter miles.

The Kentucky Derby has been marred by controversies,

In recent years, the Kentucky Derby has been marred by controversies, including horse injuries, doping scandals, and disqualifications. However, it remains one of the most prestigious races in the world, attracting the best three-year-old Thoroughbreds from around the globe.

As of May 7th, 2023, the field for the Kentucky Derby has been reduced to 18 horses after five were scratched from the race. The withdrawals were due to various reasons, including injuries, illness, and lack of form. The five horses that will not be competing in the 2023 Kentucky Derby are:

  1. Essential Quality – the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner and early favorite for the 2023 Kentucky Derby was scratched due to an ankle injury.
  2. Rattle ‘n’ Roll – a promising three-year-old colt trained by Bob Baffert was withdrawn due to a fever and cough.
  3. Command Performance – a long-shot entry trained by Dallas Stewart was scratched due to a lack of form.
  4. Tea Time – a filly trained by Chad Brown was withdrawn due to a minor leg injury.
  5. Biscuits and Gravy – a gelding trained by Todd Pletcher was scratched due to a respiratory infection.

With five horses out of the field, the 2023 Kentucky Derby will be contested by 18 horses. The remaining horses in the field are:

  1. Life is Good – trained by Bob Baffert, this colt is the current favorite to win the Kentucky Derby. He has won three of his four starts, including the San Felipe Stakes and the Santa Anita Derby.
  2. Hot Rod Charlie – this colt finished third in the 2021 Kentucky Derby and won the Pennsylvania Derby later that year. He has been consistent in his four-year-old campaign, finishing second in the Louisiana Derby and the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
  3. Mandaloun – this colt finished second in the 2021 Kentucky Derby but was later declared the winner after Medina Spirit was disqualified for a positive drug test. He has been training well for his return to Churchill Downs.
  4. Known Agenda – this colt won the Florida Derby in impressive fashion and is trained by Todd Pletcher, a three-time  Derby-winning trainer.
  5. Medina Spirit – the 2021 Kentucky Derby winner is returning to Churchill Downs for a chance to win the race again. However, his victory is currently under review due to a positive drug test.
  6. Highly Motivated – this colt finished second in the Blue Grass Stakes and has been training well for the Kentucky Derby.
  7. Concert Tour – trained by Bob Baffert, this colt won the Rebel Stakes but finished third in the Arkansas Derby. He has been training well and could be a contender in the Kentucky Derby.
  8. Soup and Sandwich – this colt finished second in the Florida