The 138th running of the Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, May 5 at historic Churchill Downs, and with a full field of twenty likely again this year, the race is one of the best horse betting opportunities of the year.
The last three runnings have produced longshots Animal Kingdom ($43.80), Super Saver ($18.00), and Mine That Bird ($103.20).
So far there is not clear standout, and the winner seems likely to light up the tote board once again.
Among those likely to take the most horse betting action on the first Saturday in May include Bodemeister, Union Rags, Creative Cause, and Gemologist.
If you are looking for an online Racebook for your Kentucky Derby future wagering or just your everyday horse betting click here for Turf ‘n’ Sport’s recommended places to wager.
Here are the top ten contenders for this year’s Derby along with graded earnings through March 23:
Hansen
Pedigree: Tapit – Storm Sunday, by Sir Cat
Trainer: Mike Maker
Last Race: Runner up in Toyota Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland on April 14
Graded Earnings: $1,500,000
Betting Odds: 14/1 (odds provided by Bovada)
Daddy Long Legs
Pedigree: Scat Daddy – Dreamy Maiden, by Meadowlake
Trainer: Aidan P. O’Brien
Last Race: Won UAE Derby (G2) at Meyden Racecourse on March 31
Graded Earnings: $1,294,030
Betting Odds: 35/1
Union Rags
Pedigree: Dixie Union – Tempo, by Gone West
Trainer: Michael Matz
Last Race: Third place finish in Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park on March 31
Graded Earnings: $1,170,000
Betting Odds: 9/2
Dullahan
Pedigree: Even the Score – Mining My Own, by Smart Strike
Trainer: Dale Romans
Last Race: Won Toyota Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland on April 14
Graded Earnings: $855,000
Betting Odds: 10/1
Creative Cause
Pedigree: Giant’s Causeway – Dream of Summer, by Siberian Summer
Trainer: Mike Harrington
Last Race: Second in Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 7
Graded Earnings: $836,000
Betting Odds: 12/1
Gemologist
Pedigree: Tiznow – Crystal Shard, by Mr. Prospector
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: Won Wood Memorial (G1) on April 7 at Aqueduct
Graded Earnings: $703,855
Betting Odds: 7/1
Sabercat
Pedigree: Bluegrass Cat – Miner’s Blessing, by Forty Niner
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: Third in the Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park on April 14
Graded Earnings: $701,429
Betting Odds: 35/1
Take Charge Lady
Pedigree: A.P. Indy – Take Charge Lady, by Dehere
Trainer: Patrick Byrne
Last Race: Won Florida Derby (G1)at Gulfstream Park on March 31
Graded Earnings: $698,400
Betting Odds: 18/1
Secret Circle
Pedigree: Eddington – Ragtime Hope, by Dixieland Band
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Second place finish in the Arkansas Derby (G1) on April 14
Graded Earnings: $670,000
Betting Odds: 18/1
Bodemeister
Pedigree: Empire Maker – Untouched Talent, by Storm Cat
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Won the Arkansas Derby (G1) on April 14 at Oaklawn Park
Graded Earnings: $660,000
Betting Odds: 5/1
Michael Dempsey provides his selections for major tracks each racing day. Mike’s Best Plays Report is available each weekend, with his strongest plays and selections including the top stakes races.
For the third time in the last five years subscribers using Mike’s Reports had the winner of the Kentucky Derby. In 2011 Mike nailed Animal Kingdom with his top pick, the upset winner paying $43.20 to win, $19.60 to place & $13.00 to show!
In the 2010 Kentucky Derby, Mike hit Super Saver with his top pick, the winner returning $18.00, $8.80, and $6.00.
Street Sense was his top pick in 2007, the winner returning $11.80, $6.40, and $4.60.
