Unlike the previous years, we don’t really have a hands-down favorite heading into the 143rd edition of the Kentucky Derby. But that also means we have a handful of contenders to watch out for, including these three dark horses we’ve listed below.
This colt is coming in with serious momentum from a pair of Grade 2 victories at the Risen Star Stakes and Louisiana Derby, which also placed him atop of the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with a total of 152 points. Girvin, who has bagged three wins in four starts, is dealing with a quarter crack in his right foot, however. Thankfully, he looked fine and was actually impressive in his recent workout. He should be ready to go all-out against some of the world’s best three-year-olds at Churchill Downs this Saturday with the experienced Mike Smith as his jockey.
Gormley already has several Group 1 victories on his resume—with the latest win coming at the Santa Anita Derby. But that’s not the only main reason why you should put your trust (and money) on this talented colt. Gormley will be ridden by Victor Espinoza, who carries three Derby wins in his career and is widely known for leading American Pharoah to a Triple Crown two years ago.
Thunder Snow, which in one word is known as a winter thunderstorm in the dictionary, joins Always Dreaming (+300) and Fast and Accurate (+5,000) as the only colts heading into Churchill Downs victorious in each of their past three races. Thunder Snow is mainly known for his size, strength and quickness—qualities that were exemplified during the Irish horses’ successful run at the UAE Derby on March 25.
The last time that a colt with a weather-related name won the Run for the Roses was Thunder Gulch (1995).
