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As the excitement builds up for the upcoming Kentucky Derby, the focus is primarily on the favorites and top contenders. However, every year, a few longshot contenders manage to create an upset and leave their mark on the biggest horse racing event in the world. 

These underdogs may not have the same level of attention or hype, but they can still deliver a performance that could shake up the Derby field. While the odds may not be in their favor, these longshot contenders have been putting in the hard work and dedication to prepare themselves for the big race. 

The Kentucky Derby has a rich history of longshots stealing the show, from underdog stories to surprise performances. With the race just around the corner, let’s look at some dark horses that could shake things up and turn the racing world on its head.

Instant Coffee

Instant Coffee is considered a longshot because he has not consistently performed at the highest level in his prep races leading up to the Kentucky Derby. While he did win the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes and the Lecomte Stakes, both graded stakes races, he finished fourth in the Breeder’s Futurity and sixth in the Louisiana Derby.

Despite his mixed results, Instant Coffee has demonstrated a potent combination of natural speed, impressive stamina, and tactical versatility, all essential qualities for 2023 Kentucky Derby contenders to succeed in the race.

While Instant Coffee may not be the most high-profile contender in the Kentucky Derby field, he has several qualities that make him an intriguing longshot. Bettors looking for a potential dark horse to bet on should watch Instant Coffee’s odds as race day approaches.

Mage

Mage is another horse in the 2023 Kentucky Derby field who could potentially disrupt the favorites and emerge as a surprise winner. Trained by Gustavo Delgado, Mage has shown promise in his recent prep races.

Despite finishing fourth in the Fountain of Youth Stakes, Mage bounced back with a solid second-place finish in the Florida Derby, traditionally one of the key prep races for the Kentucky Derby. 

In that race, he showed impressive speed and stamina and stayed near the front of the pack before being narrowly beaten by Forte. Bettors looking for a longshot with upset potential should watch Mage’s odds as race day approaches.

Blazing Sevens

Blazing Sevens is another longshot contender in the 2023 Kentucky Derby field that bettors should watch. Trained by Chad C. Brown, Blazing Sevens has shown steady improvement in his recent races and could be a surprise contender on race day.

It’s worth noting that Blazing Sevens has shown flashes of brilliance in his past performances. As a two-year-old, he won the Champagne Stakes, a Grade 1 race at Belmont Park, demonstrating his potential as a top-level racehorse. 

While Blazing Sevens is still considered a longshot to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby, he has the potential to surprise the field and finish in the money. Bettors looking for a value play should watch his odds as race day approaches. 

With the right trip and luck, Blazing Sevens could run for the roses and provide a big payoff for his supporters. 

Disarm

Disarm is another longshot contender in the 2023 Kentucky Derby field that could surprise bettors on race day. Trained by Steven M. Asmussen, Disarm has shown steady improvement in his recent races and can potentially be a competitive force in the Derby.

The young colt’s second-place finish in the Louisiana Derby indicates his potential as a longshot contender in the Kentucky Derby. While he could not catch the winner, Kingsbarns, in that race, he ran a solid and consistent race and finished well ahead of the rest of the field.

Disarm showed a lot of grit and determination in that race, battling down the stretch to finish just a neck behind the winner. While Disarm may not be a household name among the 2023 Kentucky Derby contenders, he has a lot of upsides and could be a horse to watch as the race approaches.

Furthermore, Disarm has been working well in the lead-up to the race, putting in some impressive workouts that indicate he is in excellent form. His jockey is also a seasoned professional who knows how to get the best out of his mount. Bettors looking for a long shot with a chance to make some noise should seriously consider Disarm.

Conclusion

The excitement and anticipation continue to build as the Kentucky Derby draws near. While the top contenders dominate the headlines, it’s essential not to overlook the longshot contenders, who could disrupt the field and provide a lucrative payout for their supporters. 

Blazing Sevens, Disarm, and Instant Coffee are just a few longshots that have shown potential and could surprise everyone on race day. As always, betting on the Kentucky Derby is a gamble, but keeping an eye on these longshot contenders could be a wise decision for bettors looking for a big payoff.