The field for the 2018 Kentucky Derby always contains two or three horses heavily favored by the oddsmakers.
But if you dig deeper through the 20-horse field, there are some competitors worth taking a chance on. This could be because of their pedigree or an experienced jockey riding them.
Not every underdog selection pays off, but hitting on an unfancied horse will land you a nice betting haul.
Below is a look at a few of the favorites as well as a few potential surprise contenders for Saturday's race at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby Field(Odds via OddsShark)
1. Firenze Fire (+6600)
2. Free Drop Billy (+3300)
3. Promises Fulfilled (+4000)
4. Flameaway (+4000)
5. Audible (+550)
6. Good Magic (+900)
7. Justify (+350)
8. Lone Sailor (+5000)
9. Hofburg (+1600)
10. My Boy Jack (+2200)
11. Bolt d'Oro (+900)
12. Enticed (+2500)
13. Bravazo (+5000)
14. Mendelssohn (+400)
15. Instilled Regard (+5000)
16. Magnum Moon (+700)
17. Solomini (+2000)
18. Vino Rosso (+1400)
19. Noble Indy (+2800)
20. Combatant (+6600)
Contenders With Best Odds
Audible
With Justify and Mendelssohn receiving plenty of attention, Audible is one of a few contenders flying under the radar.
The Todd Pletcher-trained horse has an experienced jockey in two-time Preakness Stakes winner Javier Castellano. In his last race, Audible won the Florida Derby March 31 as an 8-5 favorite over Kentucky Derby opponent Hofburg, per the Kentucky Derby's official website.
The one concern is how he'll handle the 1 1/4-mile length race after only running as far as 1 1/8 miles in competition.
Although it doesn't seem like a big difference, the extra length could be a factor for horses not used to it.
Bolt d'Oro
Both of Bolt d'Oro's races at Santa Anita Park in 2018 showed why he could win the Kentucky Derby.
After taking first in March's San Felipe Stakes, Bolt d'Oro placed second in the Santa Anita Derby won by Justify.
With experience racing against Justify and a trusted jockey in Victor Espinoza, Bolt d'Oro should be near the front of the pack.
Espinoza—one of the most accomplished Triple Crown jockeys in recent history—could be the X-factor that pushes Bolt d'Oro over the top.
The 45-year-old won the Triple Crown with American Pharoah in 2015 and has seven victories in Triple Crown races on his resume.
If Espinoza is able to get the best out of Bolt d'Oro, he'll come away with his fourth Kentucky Derby win and an opportunity to go for the Triple Crown.
Dark Horses
Good Magic
At +900, Good Magic might not seem like he's an under-the-radar contender, but he the fifth-lowest odds.
Good Magic sits in an ideal starting position in post No. 6 between Audible and Justify, which could help him get out to a blazing start.
The Chad Brown-trained horse enters Saturday's race off a victory in the Blue Grass Stakes on the 1 1/8-mile course at Keeneland.
Good Magic also comes into the Kentucky Derby with experience from past big races, having won the Breeders Cup juvenile race in November.
With jockey Jose Ortiz, who won the last Triple Crown race of 2017 with Tapwrit at the Belmont Stakes, on board, Good Magic could reach the top of the field without dealing with the pressure like some of the favorites.
My Boy Jack
My Boy Jack won't get a ton of action at +2200 before Saturday, but it's worth taking his experience into account.
While horses like Justify were held from racing until they were three years old, My Boy Jack participated in 10 races prior to the Kentucky Derby.
Coming off a win in the Lexington Stakes, My Boy Jack could be poised to shock everyone with a strong performance at Churchill Downs.
He has competed in a race in each month of 2018 so far and has earned a pair of victories and two third-place finishes.
In addition to his experience, veteran jockey Kent Desormeaux improves My Boy Jack's chances.
Desormeaux is a seven-time champion in Triple Crown races, with three Kentucky Derby victories from 1998, 2000 and 2008.
The 48-year-old Louisiana native is running My Boy Jack for his brother and trainer, Keith Desormeaux, who combined with Kent to win the 2016 Preakness Stakes with Exaggerator.
If My Boy Jack gets out to a good start from post No. 10, Desormeaux could calm the horse and settle in for a strong ride.
Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.
Statistics obtained from KentuckyDerby.com.
Read Again Brow http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2774048-kentucky-derby-post-draw-2018-contenders-dark-horses-with-best-oddsBagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Kentucky Derby Post Draw 2018: Contenders, Dark Horses with Best Odds"
Post a Comment