Officially, trainer Brad Cox "won" the 2021 Kentucky Derby with Mandaloun. But the millions watching that day saw the Bob Baffert-trained Medina Spirit cross the finish line first, only to be disqualified days later after failing a post-race drug test. Mandaloun, who crossed the finish line in second, was eventually elevated to first, but Cox, a Louisville native, never got to truly enjoy the thrill of victory. He hopes to do that on Saturday with one of his four entrants, led by Arkansas Derby winner Angel of Empire.

14 Angel of Empire (8-1)

• Trainer Brad Cox
• Jockey Flavien Prat
• Last race First in the Arkansas Derby by 4¼ lengths
• Career record 6 starts: 4 wins, 1 second
• Career earnings $1,069,375
• Best career Beyer Speed Figure 94 (2023 Arkansas Derby)
• Sire Classic Empire

Below, we'll dig further into Angel of Empire as part of our series profiling all the horses competing in the 149th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6. We'll look back into his past performances, what questions need to be answered on Saturday and analyze how the post draw affects his chances.

Kentucky Derby profiles: 1 Hit Show | 2 Verifying | 3 Two Phil's | 4 Confidence Game | 5 Tapit Trice | 6 Kingsbarns | 7 Reincarnate | 8 Mage | 9 Skinner | 10 Practical Move | 11 Disarm | 12 Jace's Road | 13 Sun Thunder | 14 Angel of Empire | 15 Forte | 16 Raise Cain | 17 Derma Sotogake | 18 Rocket Can | 19 Lord Miles | 20 Continuar

So what key information could decide how Angel of Empire performs in the Kentucky Derby? And how does the post draw affect his chances? ... Join SportsLine now to get a full profile on Angel of Empire and every other horse in the Kentucky Derby!