The 2023 Kentucky Derby is upon us. And it begs the question: Which post positions or gates are the most profitable?
First, let's take a look at each horse and which gate they're posting at for tonight's race.
2023 Kentucky Derby Odds (Updated)*
| Post | Horse | Current | Before Forte Scratch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hit Show | 25-1 | 30-1 |
| 2 | Verifying | 15-1 | 19-1 |
| 3 | Two Phil’s | 8-1 | 8-1 |
| 4 | Confidence Game | 18-1 | 20-1 |
| 5 | Tapit Trice | 9-2 | 6-1 |
| 6 | Kingsbarns | 10-1 | 12-1 |
| 7 | Reincarnate | 12-1 | 15-1 |
| 8 | Mage | 17-1 | 20-1 |
| 9 | Skinner | scratch | scratch |
| 10 | Practical Move | scratch | scratch |
| 11 | Disarm | 24-1 | 27-1 |
| 12 | Jace's Road | 31-1 | 39-1 |
| 13 | Sun Thunder | 29-1 | 37-1 |
| 14 | Angel of Empire | 9-2 | 6-1 |
| 15 | Forte | scratch | 3-1 |
| 16 | Raise Cain | 30-1 | 37-1 |
| 17 | Derma Sotogake | 8-1 | 8-1 |
| 18 | Rocket Can | 27-1 | 36-1 |
| 19 | Lord Miles | scratch | scratch |
| 20 | Continuar | scratch | scratch |
| 21 | Cyclone Mischief | 29-1 | 30-1 |
| 22 | Mandarin Hero | 20-1 | 26-1 |
| 23 | King Russell | 30-1 | 39-1 |
*Odds via FanDuel Racing
From a betting perspective, here's the rub. Gate No. 5 is the most profitable in history when it comes to the win column. Gate No. 17 is the worst. Gates No. 2 and No. 10 are electric for finishing in the money.
It just so happens that this year's Gate No. 5 competitor is the favorite, Tapit Trice. The horse is roughly +350 across the marketplace after previous favorite Forte was scratched on Saturday morning with a bone bruise in his foot.
But favorites don't win all that often.
As for Gate No. 17, no horse have ever won from that position. Sorry, Derma Sotogake. Only three horses have ever finished in the money from that position.
And Gate No. 10 has seen 25 all-time in the money finishes — along with Gate No. 2.
