Kentucky Derby 2023 Post Positions: Draw Start Time, Horses Lineup and More

For jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., the 149th Kentucky Derby represents another opportunity to add an elusive trophy to his already impressive collection.

He was won over 3500 races, two Belmont Stakes, and has four Eclipse Awards to his name as the best jockey in the world, but his glistening resume lacks the validation of a Derby trophy.

Ortiz hopes to fill that void on Saturday, May 6 at Churchill Downs in Louisville as he rides Forte, one of the favorites to win the first leg of the Triple Crown.

The two-year-old Champion has won six-of-seven career starts, including a come-from-behind in the Florida Derby on April 1. "He's winning. He (doesn't) get beat. It gives you an extra confidence, I think. We know he can do it," Ortiz told Ryan Black of the Louisville Courier Journal.

Ortiz will find out where he and Forte will start Monday at 2:00 p.m. as part of the Kentucky Derby draw, as will the competitors looking to make it seven disappointments on the grand stage for the celebrated jockey.

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Current Lineup per KentuckyDerby.com

1. Forte
2. Practical Move
3. Angel of Empire
4. Tapit Trice
5. Two Phil's
6. Lord Miles
7. Derma Sotogake (Japan)
8. Kingsbarns
9. Raise Cain
10. Rocket Can
11. Hit Show
12. Confidence Game
13. Verifying
14. Sun Thunder
15. Mage
16. Disarm
17. Reincarnate
18. Jace's Road
19. Skinner
20. Continuar (Japan)
21. Cyclone Mischief
22. Major Dude
23. Mandarin Hero (Japan)
24. King Russell

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Ortiz and Forte could face a challenge in the form of Mage, who has tested the Derby favorite twice before but fallen behind in both instances.

Still, that has not fazed trainer Gustavo Delgado Sr., who knew what the horse was capable of even when jockey Luis Saez may not have.

He told KentuckyDerby.com, "I don't think that Luis knew the horse. And when he asked him, it surprised him. When he moved, whoosh, he moved very, very fast. He goes to the front with Forte. He's got that possibility to win the race."

Mage is relatively inexperienced, having only competed on three different occasions ahead of the Derby, but one of those was a victory and two were as runner-up to Forte.

He has demonstrated an ability to run with Forte and to do so while charging from the back. Maintaining any lead he may get over the frontrunner would be key, especially after narrowly losing it a month ago.

There are more experienced horses out there but the early career success that Mage has experienced, and a proven ability to hang with the star of this year's field, make him one of the more intriguing potential spoilers in this year's race.