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2023 Kentucky Derby: Sun Thunder Odds, Picks & Predictions

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In the world of horse racing, every new year brings excitement as fans and industry insiders alike start to speculate about potential contenders for the upcoming Kentucky Derby. One horse who is currently generating buzz is Sun Thunder, a promising young colt who many believe has the potential to make a surprising impact as a longshot at the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

2023 Kentucky Derby Predictions: Sun Thunder

  • Post Position: 13
  • Odds: 15/1

Sun Thunder finished fifth at the Louisiana Derby and fourth at the Blue Grass Stakes. The results were unimpressive, but the horse did finish second at the Risen Star to Angel of Empire. Even with that in mind, there is simply no reason to take a chance on this horse based on recent results.

– Phil Wood

Bet: Toss

Sun Thunder Profile

So, who is Sun Thunder, and what makes him such an exciting prospect?

First and foremost, Sun Thunder comes from strong breeding stock. His sire, Thunder Gulch, won both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes in 1995, and went on to sire numerous other successful racehorses. Sun Thunder’s dam, Solar Flare, was a talented racehorse in her own right, and she comes from a long line of accomplished bloodlines.

But beyond his pedigree, Sun Thunder has also demonstrated impressive form on the racetrack. As a two-year-old, he won his debut race at Saratoga by a comfortable margin, prompting his connections to start thinking seriously about the Kentucky Derby as a potential target. Following that victory, Sun Thunder went on to finish second in the Grade III Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct, showing that he has the ability to compete at a high level against other top horses.

Of course, there is still a long road ahead for Sun Thunder and his team. The Kentucky Derby is a notoriously difficult race to win, and every year there are dozens of talented horses vying for a chance at glory. But with his formidable breeding, strong performances on the track, and the support of his experienced and savvy connections, Sun Thunder has a lot of potential to make some noise in the coming years.

So, what do we know about Sun Thunder’s racing style and personality?

In terms of his racing style, Sun Thunder has already shown that he likes to run near the front of the pack. He has broken sharply from the gate and taken up a prominent position before the first bend. From there, he has shown an impressive turn of foot, accelerating away from his rivals with ease. Of course, it remains to be seen whether he can maintain that pace over a longer distance like the Kentucky Derby, but early signs are certainly encouraging.

As for his personality, Sun Thunder is said to be a laid-back and friendly horse who enjoys attention from his handlers and fans. He is reportedly easy to work with in training, taking direction well and showing a willingness to learn and improve. Of course, every horse is different, and it’s impossible to predict how Sun Thunder will react to the pressure and excitement of a race like the Kentucky Derby, but his temperament is certainly a positive sign.

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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