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2023 Kentucky Derby: Rocket Can Odds, Picks & Predictions

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The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses, which has been held annually in Louisville, Kentucky since 1875. It is considered one of the premier horse races in the world and the first leg of the famed Triple Crown. The Kentucky Derby is known for its fashion, mint juleps, and entertaining weekend festivities, but it is ultimately the horses that steal the show. Each year, there are several horses in the running who have been carefully bred, trained, and prepared for this exciting race. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at Rocket Can, a promising three-year-old horse who could be a top contender for the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

2023 Kentucky Derby Predictions: Rocket Can

  • Post Position: 18
  • Odds: 15/1

Rocket Can was the favorite to win the Arkansas Derby but ultimately finished in fourth place. That result came about one month after finishing second to Forte at the Fountain of Youth Stakes. Because of the horses latest result, the odds are higher than they likely should be, which makes Rocket Can a great horse to use in exotics.

– Phil Wood

Bet: Use in Exotics

Rocket Can Profile

Rocket Can is a chestnut-colored colt bred by Calumet Farm, a historic establishment that has produced eight Kentucky Derby winners. He is sired by Can the Man, an American racehorse who won over $200,000 in his career, and his dam is a mare named Raging Inferno. Rocket Can was foaled on March 14, 2020, making him part of the 2023 Kentucky Derby crop. According to his pedigree, he has several notable ancestors, including Seattle Slew, Northern Dancer, and Bold Ruler.

Rocket Can began his racing career on December 26, 2022, by winning a maiden special weight race at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. He ran the six furlongs in 1:10.67 and won by 1 1/2 lengths. His jockey for that race was Miguel Mena, who has won multiple stakes races in his career. Rocket Can’s trainer is Mark Casse, a Canadian trainer who has won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer twice and has trained several Kentucky Derby contenders in the past.

One of the strengths of Rocket Can is his versatility in terms of running style. In his maiden race, he broke from the gate quickly and took the lead early on, but he has also shown the ability to stalk the pace and make a late charge if necessary. He has a fast closing kick, which means he can accelerate quickly in the final stretch of the race. These qualities make him a threat to win in various race scenarios, which is essential in longer races like the Kentucky Derby.

The 2023 Kentucky Derby is shaping up to be an exciting event, and Rocket Can is one of the horses who could make it even more thrilling. With his impressive pedigree, versatile running style, and promising debut, he has already shown that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level.

More 2023 Kentucky Derby Previews

Check out our previews for every horse competing in the 2023 Kentucky Derby and our expert analysis on the best bets for this year’s Run for the Roses.


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