The road to the Kentucky Derby closed out the month of March with a bang. The Florida Derby & Arkansas Derby both proved to be very competitive and provided some fireworks as we move closer and closer to the 149th Kentucky Derby. With a little over 30 days left until the run for the roses, let’s take a moment to look back at an exciting weekend.

After his performance in the Risen Star, Angel of Empire left no reason to believe that he would do anything other than improve heading into the Arkansas Derby and boy did he ever. Despite that impressive Risen Star, Angel of Empire ended up being the 4th betting choice on the board at 9/2 come

Kingsbarns stays undefeated in his career, winning by an extremely impressive four lengths at 9/2 and earning 100 points on the road to the KY Derby. Kingbarns and jockey Flavien Prat broke cleanly out of

Horse racing fans, take a deep breath and enjoy the fact we’ve got a weekend ahead with no KY Derby Prep Races. I don’t know who is in charge of the Prep Race schedule, but whoever decided not to have a race (in the USA at least) deserves a gold medal.

Forte silenced any doubters with a dominate performance in this year’s rendition of the FOY. Coming off an extended layoff, there was a slight concern he might need to get a race under his belt. Forte & Irad Ortiz did nothing but prove why this horse was the 2-year old of the year in 2022. Irad sat back with a nice stalking trip and was able to bring Forte sailing smoothly down the center of the track for what looked like an effortless win. Rocket Can & Cyclone Mischief ran a respectable 2nd & 3rd but ultimately were out classed. It will be interesting to see where Todd Pletcher & the ownership group will send this horse next (I imagine the upcoming FL Derby) but regardless of where it is, I know my eyes will be glued to the TV because this horse could be really special.

As I sit here typing this recap of the 2023 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn park, all I can do is simply laugh. On last week’s episode of Decadent & Depraved, I simply told the boys that I had no analysis to offer on the 15/1 long-shot Confidence Game.