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Rocket Can Becomes Fastest of 34 Horses in a Bullet Half-Mile Move as Kentucky Derby Favorite Forte Yet to Arrive

Published 04/15/2023, 9:00 AM EDT

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Just a week ago, it was unclear whether Rocket Can participate in the Kentucky Derby, despite being one of the fastest colts in equestrian history. However, Rocket Can stepped up and secured 60 points, ranking seventh and earning entry to the prestigious event at Churchill Downs. His strength and resilience suggest that he has what it takes to compete and potentially win with a significant lead.

During a training session on Thursday morning, Rocket Can completed a bullet half-mile move with a record time. The gray son of Into Mischief outperformed 34 other horses that day, demonstrating his exceptional speed and agility. Now, all eyes are on Rocket Can to see how he performs in the event.

Rocket Can etched the training session with a supersonic speed

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10 Derby contenders have already arrived at Churchill Downs on Thursday. Among them is Rocket Can, the Frank Fletcher Racing Operations’ Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes winner. In the Fountain of Youth (G2), he ended up in second place, losing it against Forte. In fact, he finished fourth as the beaten favorite in the Arkansas Derby (G1). Certainly, his form is at its peak making him a strong opponent of the Derby superstar, Forte.

Ten Derby contenders, including Rocket Can, the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes winner, arrived at Churchill Downs on Thursday. Although Rocket Can came in second in the Fountain of Youth (G2), losing out to Forte, and finished fourth in the Arkansas Derby (G1) as the beaten favorite, his form is now at its peak, making him a formidable opponent for the Derby superstar.

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However, on Thursday, Rocket Can worked at 7:30 a.m., there he moved a bullet half-mile in:46.60, as per the reports by Paulick Report. Beginning his race one length back from his stablemate, he galloped out five furlongs in:59.20 and completed six furlongs in 1:12.60, making his trainer and jockey Bill Mott proud.

According to Paulick Report, Rocket Can put in an impressive performance during his training session on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. He completed a bullet half-mile in just 46.60 seconds, starting one length behind his stablemate. He then galloped out five furlongs in 59.20 seconds and completed six furlongs in 1:12.60.

Read More‘Superstar’ Race Horse, Favorite to Clinch Kentucky Derby, Has Already Won $2,400,000 in a Year

While there are still several horses yet to arrive, including the fan favorite Forte, Kingsbarns, and Tapit Trice. With the arrival of these other colts, all eyes will undoubtedly be glued to this year’s derby, eager to see how each horse performs.

Kentucky Derby, 2023

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The event has been attracting viewers since its inception in 1875, and this year’s derby will be the 149th race. It will be held on May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs, Kentucky. The top 20 horses with the highest scores will compete in this year’s event, which will take place as the 12th race of the contest at 6:57 p.m. ET.

Fans of the Kentucky Derby can watch the top horses compete in this magnificent event on Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app. As the contenders and their riders prepare to give their best, fans are eagerly anticipating an electrifying performance.

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The contenders and their rides are preparing the best to win hearts. The fans are indeed on their toes to witness the electrifying performance.

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Written by:

Soumili Chatterjee

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Soumili Chatterjee is a pro-writer for EssentiallySports. With a Master's degree in English, Soumili's passion for sports writing has taken her on an extraordinary journey in the American sports arena. Inspired by the famous quote by ice-hockey legend Gretzky, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take," Soumili has taken these words to heart and has made it her mission to meet her idol someday.
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Edited by:

Abigail Kevichusa