Meet the Contenders: 2023 Arkansas Derby

Angel Of Empire (left) with Luis Saez aboard outduels Tapit's Conquest to win the Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds. (Photo by Hodges Photography / Jamie Newell)

Meet the horses running in the 2023 Arkansas Derby (G1) over 1 1/8 miles at Oaklawn on April 1. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well in the Arkansas Derby.

1. Bourbon Bash **

Bourbon Bash wins at Saratoga (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Pro: Outran expectations when fifth in the Rebel (G2) at 77-1.

Con: Only stakes placings have occurred in sprints.

2. Interlock Empire *

Interlock Empire wins at Oaklawn Park (Photo by Coady Photography)

Pro: Rallied from 13 lengths down to win one-mile maiden by five lengths last time.

Con: Late developer lacks experience facing winners.

3. Harlocap ***

Pro: Likely prominent from the start and exits race where closers had the edge.

Con: Might not be short of company early, and may lack sufficient staying power.

4. Two Eagles River ****

Two Eagles River wins at Oaklawn Park (Photo by Coady Photography)

Pro: Dominated recent allowance over Louisiana Derby (G2) runner-up Disarm.

Con: Has generally benefited from ideal trips, could see more challenging circumstances.

5. Airtime **

Airtime wins at Oaklawn Park (Photo by Coady Photography)

Pro: Perfect in two starts over this track on both fast and wet surfaces.

Con: Class concerns remain for ex-claimer easily handled by Angel of Empire in the past.

6. Angel of Empire ***

Angel of Empire winning the Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds (Photo by Hodges Photography/Lou Hodges Jr.)

Pro: Emerged from the pack to win Risen Star (G2), a race dominated by closers.

Con: Figures suggest he’ll need to improve by a few lengths.

7. Rocket Can ***

Rocket Can wins maiden at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Pro: Took another step forward when solid second to Forte in Fountain of Youth (G2).

Con: Bill Mott runners have had to settle for minor checks so far this meet.

8. Reincarnate ****

Reincarnate and jockey Juan Hernandez win the Grade III $100,000 Sham Stakes Sunday, January 8, 2023 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA Benoit Photo

Pro: Did not enjoy the best of trips in Rebel, more dangerous when able to show early foot.

Con: Might have to contend with other speed, namely ex-stablemate Harlocap.

9. King Russell *

King Russell wins at Oaklawn Park (Photo by Coady Photography)

Pro: Recent graduate enters in decent form, albeit against maidens.

Con: Hasn’t faced this kind of opposition before and might prefer it wet.

10. Red Route One ****

Red Route One trains at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 19, 2023. (Photo by Coady Photography/Oaklawn Park)

Pro: Rallied well for second in Rebel, and blinkers might help him stay in closer attendance.

Con: Remains winless on dirt and seemingly pace dependent.

11. Kolomio *

Pro: Barn won Rebel with longshot winner Confidence Game.

Con: Tough spot for gelding whose best has come against claimers on the turf.