Who are the leading Contenders of the 2024 Kentucky Derby?

The competition is fiercer as the thoroughbred racing world is coming to another Kentucky Derby. Enthusiasts are making bets on the contenders as some of them are getting to the top one way or another, even before the races start. We have another historic moment in the history of the Kentucky Derby, so what we should do right now is get to know the favorable horses of this year’s race. 

Drawing insights from different news sources, let’s delve into the leading contenders of this year’s Kentucky Derby and why they are at the top of the current leaderboards. Let’s start.

Sierra Leone

If you’re constantly updated on the 2024 kentucky derby online betting, you know that it is one of the top contenders right now in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is usually closely matched with the following contender, and the public’s opinion seems to be halved between them. This horse is a filly whose regal attitude and undeniable talent have propelled her into the spotlight on the way to the Kentucky Derby. 

Bob Baffert trains her and has one of the most promising runs in this year’s Kentucky Derby. She boasts an impressive resume highlighted by multiple great victories and stellar performances during the way to the Kentucky Derby.

According to several sources, Sierra Leone has it all. She has the speed, power, and agility, making her a formidable contender against her fellow horses. According to experts, Sierra Leone is the pinnacle of the Kentucky Derby and currently has the most significant chance of winning the event.

Dornoch

With a pedigree that screams royalty, Dornoch is also one of the most promising contenders in this year’s Kentucky Derby, and for a good reason. Trained by a great owner named Aiden O’Brien, this impressive colt embodies the epitome of equine excellence, as detailed in her racing form in the Kentucky Derby.

Dornoch’s lineage comes from a line of champions, which is a huge advantage as he was born with the genetic disposition of a Kentucky Derby winner. Because of this, many experts are saying that Dornoch might just be the colt that will topple Sierra Leone’s position at the top. We’ll have to see to it this coming May when the Kentucky Derby starts.

Fierceness

Another top contender, Fierceness, is probably the closest match to Sierra Leone at the moment. Repole Stable has had its fair share of bad luck with the past Kentucky Derby events. Two possibly most heartbreaking were the late withdrawals of great contenders Forte in 2023 and Uncle Mo in 2011.

However, they’re back with a vengeance in the form of Fierceness. Fierceness is from the second crop of the City of Light, whose Grade 1 victories included many prestigious events like the Breeder’s Cup Dirt Mile and the Pegasus World Cup. However, these factors have little to no effect on how Fierceness will race this upcoming Kentucky Derby. 

It remains to be seen how Fierceness will do at a one-quarter-mile-long racetrack. However, a lot of experts say that she is promising to let’s hold on to our hats.

Catching Freedom

Many people say Catching Freedom is a rising star with potential and aspirations. It is on its way to winning the upcoming Kentucky Derby. Trained by a group of seasoned professional horse trainers, Catching Freedom's skills and determination were notably visible on the road to the Kentucky Derby.

With his excellent blend of power, agility, and speed, it’s no wonder that many horse racing enthusiasts, especially bettors, are willing to bet on Catching Freedom. What sets him apart from his peers is that Catching Freedom has this never-say-die attitude, making him capable of racing towards the end with the same power he had during the start of the race. Because of this, people anticipate a good run from Catching Freedom as he catches the win in this year’s Kentucky Derby.

Timberlake

Timberlake is a local, which is already a huge advantage as he is familiar with the track in his hometown, especially in the Kentucky Derby. Although the other contenders on this list are already familiar with dirt tracks, no other colt knows the Kentucky Derby more than he does. Trained by a team of professionals, Timberlake is assured he will give a great show to horse racing enthusiasts as he tries to reach the top.

According to sources, Timberlake is labeled as a dark horse with the potential of winning the Kentucky Derby almost unexpectedly. Some experts say it’s probably just the pressure from his fans that labeled him a dark horse. However, according to his racing form, he might just have the speed and power to dominate in the race's final stretch. So what is it? Is the label of the dark horse just a false one, or would he run toward the top ahead of his competitors? We’ll see this coming in May.

Track Phantom

Another dark horse, Track Phantom, emerges with untapped potential and determination, which are notable on his Kentucky Derby Trail. This enigmatic colt has amassed quite a few wins on the road to the Kentucky Derby, and it seems like he has what it takes to win the race, enabling him to grow a massive following.

Track Phantom possesses excellent speed and stamina, which just might be the tools he needs for the race. With great tenacity, he might also be able to keep up with horses who have shown a burst of explosive power towards the end. Track Phantom looms as a significant wildcard, rushing from behind the other top contenders in this race.

Final Words

As the 2024 Kentucky Derby slowly approaches, the horse racing world is standing on the brink of history as a new champion will emerge this coming May. From the greatness of Sierra Leone to the wildcard upstart from behind, Track Phantom, each contender shows an aspect that might be just the tool they need to win the upcoming Kentucky Derby. So hop on to your saddles and grab tight to that rope because this year’s Kentucky Derby is already blazing even before the race starts.