Author: Jason Frakes, Louisville Courier Journal

With eight recent deaths at Churchill Downs and two prominent scratches in the first two Triple Crown races, horse racing continues to face questions.

A step slow from the gate, Kentucky Derby winner and 2023 Preakness favorite Mage has showed the ability to put himself into a race whenever he wants.

First Mission, second choice behind Kentucky Derby winner Mage in morning line, has been scratched from the Preakness Stakes. Field is down to seven.

Kentucky Derby winner Mage is the morning-line favorite for Saturday’s Preakness Stakes as he continues Triple Crown quest. See the field and odds.

Kentucky Derby winner Mage headlines the projected field for the 2023 Preakness Stakes on May 20 at Pimlico for the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Forte was placed on a 14-day veterinarian’s list due to the Kentucky Derby scratch, making him ineligible for the Preakness on May 20.

A passing thunderstorm Sunday did nothing to stop the celebration at Churchill Downs’ Barn 42. Will Preakness be next for Kentucky Derby winner Mage?

Practical Move, which had 10-1 odds, is out of the 2023 Kentucky Derby field. Louisville trainer’s Dale Romans’ Cyclone Mischief is now in the field.

From top choices Forte and Tapit Trice to long shots like Reincarnate and Continuar, here’s why each horse can, and can’t, win 2023 Kentucky Derby.