2023 Horses Recap: A Forgettable Year
Which Horses Stood Out in 2023?
In our 2023 horses recap, we look at the biggest thoroughbred performances of the year, including the Kentucky Derby.
The retirement of Flightline had a big effect on the horse racing scene, but it left it wide open for a new superstar.
That superstar didn’t appear, but it made for great betting on horses and some bettors cashed in.
Mage Upsets in Derby
The odds on horses to win the Kentucky Derby were varied, but not many expected Mage to win.
The Gustavo Delgado-trained runner got the better of Two Phil’s and Angel of Empire close to the line, in what wasn’t a vintage Kentucky Derby field.
It lacked the quality we have come accustomed to, but take nothing away from Mage, who battled best down the Churchill Downs stretch.
Mage ended the year with seven starts for two wins and three placings, but with a win percentage of just 29%, he was among the lower-performed runners in the top 10 list.
Road to the 150th Kentucky Derby Leaderboard ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/QR23N1TXLV
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) December 18, 2023
Baffert Strikes in Preakness
Controversial trainer Bob Baffert couldn’t train in the Kentucky Derby, but he was back to his best in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico.
Regardless of what you think of his methods, Baffert knows how to get a horse up for a Triple Crown race. On this occasion it was National Treasure, who defeated Blazing Sevens and Mage.
It was the only win of the year for National Treasure, and once again, it was one of the worst Preakness Stakes fields we have seen.
He paid 4-1 with bookmakers, and finding that value is usually the best way to bet on horses.
National Treasure’s win meant there could be no Triple Crown winner in 2023.
Antonucci Makes History
Trainer Jena Antonucci enters our 2023 horses recap after becoming the first female trainer to win the Belmont Stakes.
She won with Arcangelo at 8-1 odds, and betting on horses was fierce with the likes of Forte, Tapit Trice, and National Treasure in the field.
There was a little more quality in the Belmont Stakes compared to the first two legs, and it was good to see someone different win the race.
Arcangelo proved it wasn’t a fluke win when taking out the Travers Stakes. However, he was promptly retired, as many of the USA’s best thoroughbreds are after their 3-year-old season.
White Abarrio Stands Out
Among the older horses, White Abarrio stood out in our 2023 horses recap.
The stunning white horse kicked off his 2023 campaign with an eighth in the Pegasus World Cup before winning an allowance race at Gulfstream Park.
A third placing in the Metropolitan Handicap followed before he raised the bar when taking out the Whitney Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Classic.
He was the favorite for the Breeders’ Cup following his 6.25-length win in the Whitney, and bettors went home happy.
Trainer Rick Dutrow hopes to run White Abarrio in the Saudi Cup, Dubai World Cup, and Whitney Stakes before tackling another tilt at the Breeders’ Cup.
“From all the horses we’ve seen run, I think that it’s going to take a big effort for a good horse to beat him in his next start,” Dutrow said.
He won’t capture the hearts of a national like Flightline, but White Abarrio could get a cult following because of his color, and that’s what horse racing needs.
Stay with us at Point Spreads for more horse racing news, horse racing standings, and horse racing schedules for the win!
