The 2023 Kentucky Derby features a field of 20 talented horses, each vying for a chance at glory in the first leg of the Triple Crown. Among them is Tapit Trice, a promising contender with a compelling backstory and impressive racing record. This article delves into the details of Tapit Trice, offering insights into his breeding, ownership, training, and performance leading up to the prestigious May 6th race at Churchill Downs.
Breeding and Early Life
Tapit Trice, a striking gray/roan colt, was bred in Kentucky, a state renowned for its rich horse racing heritage. He is the offspring of Tapit, a highly respected sire in North America, and Danzatrice, by Dunkirk. His impressive pedigree comes with a significant price tag, having been sold for $1.3 million at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. This high valuation underscores the considerable expectations placed upon him from an early age.
Ownership and Training
Tapit Trice races under the ownership of Whisper Hill Farm (Mandy Pope) and Gainesway Stable (Antony Beck). Both ownership groups have prior experience in the Kentucky Derby, though neither has yet secured a victory. Pope’s best finish was fifth with Mylute in 2013, while Gainesway’s best result was second with Hot Rod Charlie in 2021.
The colt is trained by Todd Pletcher, a seasoned conditioner with a notable record in the Derby. Pletcher has entered 62 horses in the race, achieving victory twice with Super Saver in 2010 and Always Dreaming in 2017. Tapit Trice is one of three strong contenders Pletcher fields for the 2023 event, highlighting his robust presence in the race.
Jockey and Racing Record
The jockey for Tapit Trice is Luis Saez, who, like Pletcher, has a history in the Kentucky Derby. Saez has ridden in nine Derbies with his best finish being third aboard Essential Quality in 2021.
Tapit Trice boasts an impressive racing record, with four wins, no second-place finishes, and one third-place finish in five career starts. His career earnings stand at $883,650. He has accumulated 150 points on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, placing him fourth overall.
Road to the Derby and Running Style
Tapit Trice earned his spot in the Kentucky Derby through a series of prep races. He broke his maiden in his second start at Aqueduct and has been undefeated as a 3-year-old, securing wins in an allowance optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park on February 4th, the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby on March 11th, and most recently, the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes on April 8th at Keeneland. His victory in the Blue Grass Stakes, where he finished a neck ahead of Verifying, was a significant achievement leading into the Derby.
His running style is characterized as a “closer,” meaning he typically makes his move in the later stages of the race.
Notable Statistics and Trivia
- Sire’s Derby Record: While Tapit is a top sire, his offspring have yet to win the Kentucky Derby, with a record of 0 wins in 13 starts. Charge It, last year’s entrant, finished 17th.
- Last Blue Grass Winner to Win Derby: The last horse to win both the Blue Grass Stakes and the Kentucky Derby was Strike the Gold in 1991.
- Gray/Roan Derby Winner: The most recent gray or roan horse to win the Kentucky Derby was Giacomo in 2005.
Expert Opinion
Trainer Todd Pletcher expressed confidence in Tapit Trice’s potential, noting his continuous improvement. “We’ve always felt more distance, he was going to be well-suited for that,” Pletcher commented after the Blue Grass Stakes victory. “We’re happy to get him out to a mile and an eighth today, and I think a mile and a quarter is going to be even better for him.” This suggests that the 1 1/4 mile distance of the Kentucky Derby is well within Tapit Trice’s capabilities.
The Kentucky Derby post-position draw is scheduled for Monday, May 1st, with post time for the race set for 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 6th. All eyes will be on Tapit Trice as he enters the starting gate, aiming to add his name to the storied history of the Kentucky Derby.
