2024 Kentucky Derby Horse Racing Odds & Pick – Run for the Roses

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We are one month away from the Run for the Roses, the 2023 Kentucky Derby. The first Saturday in May is cemented in sports as the day attention turn to Churchill Downs, As we enter April, MyBookie has updated odds on the horses expected to contend for the title at the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

Check out four bold predictions for the 2023 Kentucky Derby so you can plan ahead your bets and place them on the Kentucky Derby odds.

2023 Road to the Roses: Updated Kentucky Derby Odds

Kentucky Derby Race Info:
When: Saturday, May 6, 2023
Where: Churchill Downs; Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Distance: 1+1⁄4 miles | 10 furlongs; 2 kms

Forte is the Favorite

The favorite as April approaches is Forte, trained by Todd Pletcher, who won the Derby in 2010 and 2017. Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. won the Belmont Stakes last year on Mo Donegal and is a four-time Jockey of the Year winner.

Forte is +300 to win the Derby as a pretty big favorite, with no other horses under +800. Forte was the Breeders Cup Juvenile winner last year as a two-year-old, and they have kept him from overuse so far this year.

Forte won the Fountain of Youth Stakes on March 4th and has five wins in six starts. Forte has also won on four different tracks with three Grade 1 wins, showing why he’s the favorite heading into the Derby.

Tapit Trice a Contender

The second favorite at MyBookie is Tapit Trice at +800, also trained by Pletcher. Tapit Trice is a late-running colt who may excel in the longer race at Churchill Downs as a come-from-behind winner.

In four starts, Tapit Trice is 3-0-1 in the Win-Place-Show standings with a win at the Tampa Bay Derby March 11. The other wins came at Gulfstream Park in February and at Aqueduct in December. 

Mid of the Pack Horses

At MyBookie, there are a pair of horses in the mid-range odds to keep an eye on. The first of those is Practical Move at +1000, and the other is Kingsbarns at +1200.

Practical Move is trained by Tim Yakteen, and he’s 3-1-2 in six starts. Two wins have come in a row, with a victory at the Santa Anita G2 San Felipe Stakes on March 4 and December 17 at the Los Alamitos Futurity. Practical Move lost to +3300 National Treasure at Del Mar last September.

Kingsbarns has made a lot of noise lately, and his odds have plummeted down to +1200. He is trained by Pletcher and has won all three starts, including a dominating win by more than seven lengths at the Tampa Bay Downs in February. Kingsbarns also took the Louisiana Derby on March 25 to gain momentum for the Derby. 

Longshots That Can Win 

There are a pair of horses at +3300 that have had success in the pre-Derby races. One of those is the aforementioned National Treasure, who won at Del Mar in September, beating other Derby contenders. Originally trained by the suspended Bob Baffert, 

National Treasure was transferred to Yakteen to be eligible at Churchill Downs. National Treasure is 1-1-2 in four starts and finished third in the Breeders Cup as a juvenile.

The other horse at +3300 to take a look at is Reincarnate, who was also transferred from Baffert to Yakteen to be eligible for the Derby. Reincarnate won the Grade 3 Sham Stakes on January 8 and is 2-3-1 in six starts. 

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It’s Kentucky Derby Week. We’ll have plenty of info, analysis, and make free picks for the big race on Saturday. For now, check out more information on the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks as well as 5 other graded races happening at Churchill Downs this weekend.

Keep reading for more information, horse racing betting lines, analysis, and free picks for this weekend’s top stakes events right before the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.

Top Stakes to Bet On: Kentucky Oaks, Derby City, Turf Classic, and Churchill Down

Top Stakes Races for the Week: Friday, May 5 – Saturday, May 6

Alysheba Stakes | Grade 2

1 1/16 miles dirt – 4 year olds & up
Track: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
When: Friday, May 5, 2023
Race type: Thoroughbred – Flat racing

So far, just four horses will run in the Alysheba Stakes. All four should have a chance. Rich Strike, the 2022 Kentucky Derby winner, leads the field.

Rich Strike won’t go off the chalk. West Will Power, trained by Brad Cox, will be the favorite. Milliken and Smile Happy will also run.

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La Troienne Stakes | Grade 1

1 1/16 miles dirt – 4 year old fillies & mares
Track: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
When: Friday, May 5, 2023
Race type: Thoroughbred – Flat racing

No doubt, 2022 Kentucky Oaks winner and D. Wayne Lukas trained Secret Oath will go off the favorite. Secret Oath finished second behind rival Clairiere in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom in her last.

Kathleen O. could improve off a second in the Top Flight Stakes in her last. Todd Pletcher trained Classy Edition and Brad Cox runner A Mo Ready will challenge Secret Oath for the win money.  

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Kentucky Oaks | Grade 1

1 1/8 miles dirt – 3 year old fillies
Track: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
When: Friday, May 5, 2023
Race type: Thoroughbred – Flat racing

Like every year, the 2023 Kentucky Oaks boasts a full field of talented three-year-old fillies. Kenny McPeek trained Defining Purpose, the Grade 1 Ashland winner, and West Paint from the Brad Cox barn should go off the favorites.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Wonder Wheel will attract action. So will Todd Pletcher runner Gambling Girl. On paper, this year’s Kentucky Oaks is wide open.

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Churchill Down Stakes | Grade 1

7 furlongs dirt – 4 year olds & up
Track: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
When: Saturday, May 6, 2023
Race type: Thoroughbred – Flat racing

Connections for seven runners will enter their horses for the Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes. Among the seven, Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Cody’s Wish rates the favorite.

Cody’s Wish brings a four race win streak into this. Endorsed is likely to go off the second choice. Other runners include Sir Alfred James, Here Mi Song, Steal Sunshine, Hoist the Gold, and Get Her Number.

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Derby City Distaff | Grade 1

7 furlongs dirt – 4 year old fillies & up
Track: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
When: Saturday, May 6, 2023
Race type: Thoroughbred – Flat racing

Three equines have confirmed to break from the gate in the Grade 1 Derby City Distaff. More horses will join the fray for sure. But for now, three have confirmed.

Matareya, Frank’s Rockette, and Hot and Sultry will run. Matareya rates the horse to beat. Frank’s Rockette will garner betting dollars. Hot and Sultry cuts back in distance after finishing behind Clairiere and Secret Oath in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom at 1 1/16 miles in her last.

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Turf Classic Stakes | Grade 1

7 furlongs dirt – 3 year olds fillies
Track: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
When: Saturday, May 6, 2023
Race type: Thoroughbred – Flat racing

Each of the four confirmed runners for the Grade 1 Turf Classic Stakes can win. Todd Pletcher trained Up to the Mark has won 2-of-3 with a third. The third place finish happened in the Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile.

Wolfie’s Dynaghost from the Johnathan Thomas barn can win. So can Jason Barkley trained Spooky Channel and Brendan Walsh trained Satin.

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The Kentucky Derby trail picks up big time this Saturday. On April 1, Gulfstream runs the Grade 1 Florida Derby. Then later in the day, Oaklawn Park runs the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. Gulfstream also has the Grade 2 Pan American while Oaklawn shows the Grade 3 Oaklawn Mile and the Grade 3 Fantasy.

Check horse racing odds and more information for these stakes races and three more happening this weekend.

Top Stakes Races for the Week

Top Stakes Races for the Week: Saturday, April 1

Pan American Stakes | Grade 2

Track: Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach, Florida
When: Saturday, April 1, 2023
Race type: Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Distance: 1 ½ miles turf – 4 year olds & up

There will be some serious runners in this year’s Pan American. Todd Pletcher saddles the likely favorite in Abaan. Saffie Joseph Jr. is likely to have the second choice in Master Piece.

Others expected to enter the gate include Bay Street Money, Wicked Fast, and Therapist, all three are from the Mike Maker barn, and Ian Wilkes trained Ry’s the Guy.

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Florida Derby | Grade 1

Track: Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach, Florida
When: Saturday, April 1, 2023
Race type: Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Distance: 1 1/8 miles dirt – 3 year olds

This year’s top-rated three year old, Forte trained by Todd Pletcher, headlines the 2023 Florida Derby. Bill Mott is going after Forte with Jungfrau.

Saffie Joseph Jr. plans on saddling three: West Coast Cowboy, Nautical Star, and Mr. Ripple. Tim Yakteen invades with Santa Anita runner Ft. Bragg. Unless a runner really steps it up, the race is Forte’s to lose.

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Oaklawn Mile | Grade 3

Track: Oaklawn Park Race Track, Hot Springs, Arkansas
When: Saturday, April 1, 2023
Race type: Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Distance: 1 mile dirt – 4 year olds & up

If the only runners that go in the Oaklawn Mile are the six confirmed, the race should still be fantastic. Caddo River, trained by Brad Cox, leads the field.

Cox will also saddle Zozos. Both can win the Mile. Steve Asmussen trained Silver Prospector, Hero Status trained by Mark Glatt, and Hozier from the Rodolphe Brissett barn will also run. The front runner projects as Richard Mandella trained Forbidden Kingdom.  

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Fantasy Stakes | Grade 3

Track: Oaklawn Park Race Track, Hot Springs, Arkansas
When: Saturday, April 1, 2023
Race type: Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Distance: 1 1/6 miles dirt – 3 year old fillies

Connections for ten runners plan on going in the Grade 3 Fantasy. Among the ten, the one to watch is Brad Cox trained Wet Paint.

The Cox runner has won her last two races, both were stakes events. D. Wayne Lukas trained Take Charge Briana and Grand Love from the Asmussen barn will also run.

Other contenders include Royal Spa, Towhead, and Royal Spa.

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Arkansas Derby | Grade 1

Track: Oaklawn Park Race Track, Hot Springs, Arkansas
When: Saturday, April 1, 2023
Race type: Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Distance: 1 1/8 miles dirt – 3 year olds

Tim Yakteen trained Reincarnate projects as the Arkansas Derby favorite. By no means will Reincarnate be a lock.

Rocket Can, Red Route One, Angel of Empire, Harlocap, and Bourbon Bash can all challenge Reincarnate for the victory. Interlock Empire, Two Eagles River, Air Time, King Russell, and Kolomio aren’t out of it.

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Royale Heroine | Grade 3

Track: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California
When: Saturday, April 1, 2023
Race type: Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Distance: 1 mile turf – 4 year olds & up

Phil D’Amato trained Macadamia leads a solid Royal Heroine field. D’Amato will also saddle School Dance in this race.

Closing Remarks from the Carla Gaines barn and Jeff Mullins trained Quattroelle will attract action. Other runners include Seisai, Very Scary from the Doug O’Neil barn, Honey Jar, and Nadette.   

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This Saturday, it’s all about Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks prep races. The Withers takes place at Aqueduct, the Swale, Holy Bull, and Forward Gal happen at Gulfstream and over at Santa Anita, the Great Race Place runs the Robert B. Lewis. Also on Saturday, top 4 year old fillies and mares run in the Grade 2 Santa Monica. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, February 4th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds, Picks, and Betting Analysis for Saturday | Jan. 30th Edition

Aqueduct Racetrack | Saturday, Feb. 4

Grade 3 Withers – 1 1/8 miles dirt – 3 year olds

Saffie Joseph plans on saddling a couple in this one. The runner that should attract the most action of the two is Dialed In sired Mr. Ripple.

Saffie also plan on running Lord Miles. Todd Pletcher will enter Classic Catch. The favorite should be Hit Show from the Brad Cox barn. Local trainer Linda Rice puts the saddle on Arctic Arrogance, yet another win money contender. 

Gulfstream Park | Saturday, Feb. 4

Grade 3 Swale – 7 furlongs dirt – 3 year olds

Shug McGaughey might have the favorite in this year’s Swale. General Jim finished fourth in the Mucho Macho Man in the last. 

Those who don’t side with General Jim may go with Juan Alvarado trained Keanu. Two of a Kind, Aaraj, King Sparrow, and Super Chow also figure to run.   

Grade 3 Forward Gal – 7 furlongs dirt – 3 year olds

Although she finished seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies in the last, Todd Pletcher trained Atomically, no doubt, is going to attract dollars. Favoritism, though, could end up falling onto Flakes, a Juan Alvarado trained runner sired by Frosted.

Chad Brown plans on sending Aqueduct runner Undervalued Asset to Gulfstream for this. Anything Brown sends to the track we must take seriously. Twice As Sweet, Arella Star, and Apropos should also run.   

Grade 3 Holy Bull – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 3 year olds

If Saffie doesn’t enter Lord Miles in the Swale, he almost assuredly will enter the Curlin sired runner in this. Lord Miles should relish the distance. 

Saffie could saddle the second choice in this as well. West Coast Cowboy finished fourth in an allowance in the last. Horseplayers should expect improvement. 

Other contenders include Shadow Dragon, Cyclone Mischief, Mr. Bob, and Legacy Isle. Of the four, Legacy Isle rates the longest look. Legacy finished second in the Mucho Macho Man in the last. 

Santa Anita Park | Saturday, Feb. 4

Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 3 year olds

So far, four runners are confirmed for the Robert B. Lewis Stakes. All four come from the Bob Baffert barn.

Bob decided to skip last Saturday’s Southwest at Oaklawn to run Arabian Lion in this. The Justify sired colt is supposed to be the next great three-year-old horse. Lion must beat barn mates Newgate, Worcester, and Hard To Figure.  

Grade 2 Santa Monica – 7 furlongs dirt – 4 year old fillies & up

Baffert will also saddle a contender in the Grade 2 Santa Monica. Fun To Dream won the Grade 1 La Brea in the last. The Baffert runner will be tough to beat.

Awake At Midnyte finished second to Fun To Dream in the La Brea. The Doug O’Neill runner projects to go off second choice. Anacapa, Samurai Charm, and Lady T should also run.  

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The final Kentucky Derby prep of the year is in the books. From now until the first Saturday in May, trainers throughout North America will prepare their Derby qualifying three-year-olds to take part in the United States’ most popular horse race. Check out a Kentucky Derby odds update and an odds analysis.

Kentucky Derby Tuesday: Updated Odds After the Final Derby Prep

2023 Kentucky Derby Race Info:
When: Saturday, May 6, 2023
Where: Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
Distance & Surface: 1 ¼ miles on dirt

Kentucky Derby Tuesday: Favorites, Value Plays, and Top Long Shots

Among Forte, Practical Move, and Tapit Trice, which equine has the best shot of winning the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

Undefeated Forte has the look of a champion. But there are questions. First, the Todd Pletcher monster may have peaked in the Florida Derby. Second, Forte may not get the ideal trip.

Practical Move has the right running style, but he may not want the distance. The extra 1/8 miles of the Kentucky Derby means the Tim Yakteen runner must fight harder than he ever has in a race.

That leaves us with Tapit Trice. Another Todd Pletcher trained three-year-old, Tapit Trice has all the elements to win the Kentucky Derby. If you’re looking to back one of the sub +1000 choices, Tapit Trice is the pick.

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Which horse offering +1200 to +1500 odds offers the most value to win the Run for the Roses?

All four: Derma Sotogake, Verifying, Kingsbarns, and Angel of Empire offer value to win the roses. Among the four, Angel of Empire is the top overlay.

The Brad Cox trained runner has an electrifying turn of foot. When horses win with an amazing turn of foot, speed ratings don’t mean as much because jockeys unleash the turn of foot depending on the pace. If the pace is slow, the speed rating will be low, but if the pace is fast, the speed rating will be high

Also, Derma Sotogake, Verifying, Practical Joke, and Kingsbarns all run near the lead. So those three could set it up for Angel of Empire.

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Which potential runners at odds of +2000 to +3500 are overlays to win on the first Saturday in May?

Two Phil’s shouldn’t offer +2200 odds. Hard Spun sired the Larry Rivelli trained runner. Hard Spun finished second behind Street Sense in the 2007 Kentucky Derby.

Two Phil’s has the breeding to get the distance. Almost as important? He ran great over artificial after running terrific over dirt. The horse is a tough runner. The +2200 odds makes Two Phil’s an overlay.

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What are the best long shot potential plays at odds of +3800 or above to win the Triple Crown’s first leg?

Lord Miles, the Wood Memorial winner, and Disarm are two runners that could improve off their last preps. Both will have to improve big time, but it could happen.

Disarm finished third in the Lexington Stakes. The Gun Runner sired colt hails from the Steve Asmussen barn. That alone makes Disarm a horse that we must respect.

Lord Miles beat an okay field in the Wood. Curlin sired Lord Miles. So the 1 ¼ distance will be no issue and if Miles improves, who knows? Putting a few bucks on both Disarm and Lord Miles at their current future odds makes sense.

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This Saturday, March 5, horseplayers get to bet on multiple graded stakes races including three Kentucky Derby preps, the Grade 3 Gotham, Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, and Grade 2 San Felipe. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, Mar. 5th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks February 28th Edition

Aqueduct Racetrack – Saturday, March 5

Grade 3 Gotham Stakes – 1 mile dirt – 3 year olds

Grade 1 Hopeful fourth-place finisher High Oak may go off the chalk. The Bill Mott trained runner has the breeding to be a Derby Trail force. Todd Pletcher will saddle a couple in this, Dean’s List and Golden Code. Another Mott runner, Bold Journey will attract a few dollars. So will Mark Casse trained Glider and Morello from the Steve Asmussen barn. 

Gulfstream Park – Saturday, March 5

Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 3 year olds

A couple of Derby contenders throw down when Pletcher trained Mo Donegal faces off against Kenny McPeek’s Rattle N Roll. Mo Donegal finished third in the Grade 3 Holy Bull in his last while Rattle N Roll won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity in his last. Giant’s Game, Simplification, A.P.’s Secret, Howling Time, and another from the Pletcher barn, Emmanuel, should also run. 

Santa Anita Park – Saturday, March 5

Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 3 year olds

Grade 2 San Vicente winner Forbidden Kingdom should go off the chalk. The Richard Mandella and American Pharoah sired runner has all the tools to win the San Felipe and march to the San Anita Derby the highest rated three-year-old in California. Four Bob Baffert trained runners: Doppelganger, Armagnac, Flying Drummer, and Rockefeller will also attract action. Doug O’Neil trained Happy Jack may go off at overlay odds. So put the Oxbow sired runner on your radar.  

Grade 1 Frank E. Kilroe Mile – 1 mile on turf – 4 year olds and up

The top two finishers in the Thunder Road Stakes, winner Count Again and second-place finisher Subconscious should go off 1-2 to win the Frank E. Kilroe Mile. Bob and Jackie and Beyond Brilliant will also attract action and so will Space Traveller, which finished third in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational in his last.  

Grade 1 Beholder Mile – 1 mile dirt – 4 year old fillies and up

Trainer Bob Baffert holds all the cards in the Grade 1 Beholder Mile. As Time Goes By won the Grade 3 La Canada Stakes in her last. Varda took the Grade 1 Starlet in her last race and Private Mission won the Grade 2 Zenyatta Stakes last year. Baffert looks tough to beat, but don’t discount 2021 Grade 2 Falls City winner Envoutante from the Kenny McPeek barn. She’s good enough to upset the Baffert runners.   

Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap – 1 ¼ miles dirt – 4 year olds and up

Because he finished third in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup in his last, Stilleto Boy figures to go off the chalk to win the 2022 Big ‘Cap. But Stilleto Boy may not get the same pace he did in the Pegasus. Express Train, Kiss Today Goodbye, and American Theorem all have a shot. So will Spielberg, trained by Bob Baffert, and Warrant from the Brad Cox barn. Spend time thoroughly handicapping the Santa Anita Handicap before deciding on the winner. 

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Kentucky Derby odds are out and the horses that most players though would end up the morning line chalks are the ML favorites. Based on odds, Zandon should win Saturday’s race, followed by Epicenter in second. Then Messier should finish third followed by Mo Donegal in fourth. Check out more information on the top four morning line choices as well as whether their Kentucky Derby Odds make them an overlay or underlay. 

Horse Racing Odds and Picks for the Kentucky Derby Betting Favorites

2022 Kentucky Derby

When: Saturday, May 7
Where: Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
TV/Streaming: NBC / Peacock

Top 4 Morning Line Choices to Win the Kentucky Derby

Favorite: 10-Zandon  3/1

After showing a brilliant turn of foot to win the Bluegrass Stakes, Zandon most definitely deserved to be the morning line favorite. But the Upstart sired and Chad Brown trained runner has yet to run as fast either via Brisnet or Beyer speed ratings as Mo Donegal or 12-to-1 shot Taiba. 

So does that mean Zandon won’t win the Derby? Absolutely not. He’s a talented horse. So he can win the roses for sure. But the odds make him unplayable. 3-to-1 is just too short to back any horse to win this year’s Kentucky Derby. 

Second Choice:  3-Epicenter 7/2

Epicenter offers better odds and he did run faster than Zandon to win the Louisiana Derby. But the Steve Asmussen trainee may have prepped in the wrong race.

Grindstone is the only Louisiana Derby winner to take the Run for the Roses. The year was 1997, and Grindstone was easily one of the best horses in the race.

It’s difficult to say Epicenter is much better than Messier, Zandon, Mo Donegal, Taiba, or even a longshot like Charge It. At the odds, Epicenter is a pass. 

Third Choice: 6-Messier 8/1

Messier might be the most talented horse in the race. His problem is that Empire Maker is his sire. The 2003 Belmont Stakes winner has yet to produce a truly magnificent 3-year-old.

Also, Messier may have run the best race he will ever run when winning the Robert B. Lewis stakes. Stablemate Taiba ran by him like he was standing still in the Santa Anita Derby. So if you want to play Messier, why not instead play Taiba at 12-to-1?

Fourth Choice: 1-Mo Donegal 10/1

10-to-1 odds are more than fair on a horse that has improved in every lifetime race and heads into the Kentucky Derby off a win in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial. In addition, Mo calls Todd Pletcher his trainer. 

Not only that, but based on Brisnet speed rating, Mo Donegal ran as fast winning the Wood Memorial as Taiba did winning the Santa Anita Derby. So give Mo a lot of love if you believe Todd wins another garland of roses. At least you know you’re choosing a favorite that offers fair odds.  

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Three of the most important Kentucky Derby preps happen on Saturday, April 3. The Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, and the Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita Park should help shape the field for the Run for the Roses on May 1. Check out analysis and picks for each one of Saturday’s massive Derby preps. Also, check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds from Kentucky Derby for Saturday, May 1. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks 

Kentucky Derby: Wood, Santa Anita, and Blue Grass Will Shape May 1 Field

2021 Kentucky Derby

When: Saturday, May 1, 2021
Where: Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY

2021 Kentucky Derby Top 10

Essential Quality a 3/5 morning line to win the Blue Grass

Without a doubt, 4-0 Essential Quality should offer favorite’s odds to win the Blue Grass at Keeneland. The Brad Cox and Godolphin owned runner has done nothing wrong. He easily won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in 2020 and took the Grade 3 Southwest as if his competition were walking.

But the top-rated three-year-old in training hasn’t run as fast as he must to win a race like the Blue Grass. Not only that, but a few horses in the Blue Grass should take big forward steps.

Untreated heads into this after a maiden score. Todd Pletcher trains and sire Nyquist won the 2016 Kentucky Derby. The $300,000 purchase broke the maiden by 8 ½ lengths. Joel Rosario rides. So at the 10/1 morning line, we’re biting.

Essential Quality should finish second, but we like the looks of Chad Brown trained Highly Motivated. The Into Mischief sired colt failed to catch Crowded Trade and Weyburn in the Gotham in his last. The Brown runner is bred to relish the 1 1/8 mile distance, though. Also, he bobbled at the start of the Gotham. With a clean break, Highly Motivated may have won.

Essential Quality should finish third. The 3/5 odds assume he towers over this field, but he doesn’t. Not only that but Cox’s other top three-year-olds, Mandaloun and Caddo River, both bombed in their latest Derby preps. 

First – Untreated
Second – Highly Motivated
Third – Essential Quality 

Santa Anita Derby wide-open

After Life Is Good scratched, the 2021 Santa Anita Derby became wide open. Bob Baffert’s second-string colt, Medina Spirit, will go off the chalk. But even though he finished second in his last, Medina Spirit shows declining form.

Instead of backing Medina Spirit, why not take a shot on 10/1 on the morning line Law Professor? The Mike McCarthy trained runner broke his maiden in his last with a better speed rating than what Medina Spirit shows for the San Felipe second-place. The works are decent enough and Constitution sired while Tapit is his broodmare’s sire. 

The Great One had nothing but trouble in the Grade 2 San Felipe. He broke in, bumped, and then didn’t seem to try. Since the disastrous race, two-time Kentucky Derby winner Doug O’Neil has put in a couple of works. The Great One could show a much improved effort on Saturday. 

John Sadler puts the saddle on Rock Your World. The Candy Ride sired runner is undefeated after two starts. Ah, but both victories happened over the grass and the Santa Anita Derby is a dirt race. Before deriding this one’s chances, though, realize that Sadler wins 22% with ponies going turf to dirt.

First – Law Professor
Second – The Great One
Third – Rock Your World    

Whichever horse wins the Wood Memorial is a legit Kentucky Derby contender

Prevalence and Risk Taking will go off first and second choice. Neither could break into the top three. 

After Weyburn won the Grade 3 Gotham, trainer James Jerkens said he may skip the Derby with the son of Pioneerof the Nile and instead point to the Belmont Stakes. Jerkens will think differently if Weyburn wins the Wood Memorial. The gutsy victory over Crowded Trade was a thing of beauty. Weyburn is bred to be a champion, Pioneerof the Nile sired American Pharoah and his mother, Sunday Affair, calls A.P. Indy dad. Weyburn should take another forward step and can run close to the pace, stalk, or come from the clouds.

Crowded Trade has the breeding to run and win at 1 1/8 miles. The Chad Brown trainee lost the Gotham to Weyburn by a nose. He can turn the tables, no doubt, and rates a strong second-choice in this. 

Danny Velasquez trained Brooklyn Strong has won two in a row and is 3-of-4 lifetime. He’s got a big chance to win the Wood, but this is his first race since winning the Grade 2 Remsen last November. He may need one before showing his best. 

First – Weyburn
Second – Crowded Trade
Third – Brooklyn Strong

Kentucky Derby Betting News

Previous Betting News

One of the year’s major Kentucky Derby prep races happens on Saturday when 3 year olds step onto the dirt at Oaklawn Park for the Grade 3 Rebel. The purse for the Rebel is $1,000,000, which is why so many top sophomores will attend. Also on Saturday is the Grade 1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz – KSA. 

Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, Feb. 26th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks February 21st Edition

King Abdulaziz – KSA – Saturday, Feb. 26

Grade 1 Saudi Cup – 1 1/8 miles dirt – 4 year olds & up

The Grade 1 Saudi Cup is one of the most prestigious races of the year. It’s leapfrogged the Dubai World Cup to become the richest dirt race in the world. 

The purse is a staggering $20 million, which is why such horses like newly crowned 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Mandaloun, the Kentucky Racing Board officially disqualified Medina Spirit on Monday, Midnight Bourbon, Art Collector, and Hollywood Gold Cup winner Country Grammer will attend. 

So will Todd Pletcher trained Happy Saver and last year’s winner, Mishriff. A couple of under the radar contenders include Aero Team and Emblem Road. Shanghai Bobby sired Aero Team. Emblem Road calls Quality Road his sire. Emblem Road’s dam, Venturini, is from Bernardini, so the horse is bred to relish the dirt.   

Gulfstream Park – Saturday, Feb. 26

Grade 3 Royal Delta Stakes – 1 1/6 miles dirt – 4 year olds & up

Letruska returns to the track to contest the 1 1/16 miles Royal Delta Stakes. No doubt, the Royal Delta is a warm up to much bigger prizes later this year. Letruska failed to hit the board in her last race in 2021, the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff. If she’s right, she’ll romp.

If she’s not geared up for this, though, Kenny McPeek trained Crazy Beautiful and All Worthy from the Saffie Joseph Jr. barn look best. Also take a look at longshot Into Vanishing. The Jonathan Thomas runner was terrible in the Bourbonette Oaks, but she goes artificial to dirt and had won 2 straight before bombing in the Bourbonette. 

Oaklawn Park – Saturday, Feb. 26

Grade 3 Honeybee Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 4 year olds & up

As of Monday, Feb. 21, just 4 runners are confirmed for the Grade 3 Honeybee. The four runners are Steve Asmussen trained and likely favorite Optionality, Free Like A Girl from the Corey Pomier barn, Martha Washington Stakes winner and D. Wayne Lukas trained Secret Oath, and Grade 2 Golden Rod second-place finisher from the Rodolphe Brisset barn, Yuugiri.  

Grade 2 Rebel Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 3 year olds 

Bob Baffert trained Newgrange hopes to make it two in a row at Oaklawn Park when the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes winner hits the track for the Rebel Stakes. No doubt, Newgrange will go off the chalk. 

One horse that could push Newgrange is the Steve Asmussen trained Chasing Time. The Not This Time sired colt is taking a big step up in class. If Chasing Time can handle the class hike, watch out. 

Other entrants include Un Ojo, Rich Strike, Barber Road, Dash Attack, Ben Diesel, and Texas Red Hot. Ethereal Road goes from maiden victory to Grade 2 for hall of fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas. Take a long look at the D.Wayne runner because the maiden score impressed. 

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Previous Betting News

Three Kentucky Derby preps happen this weekend, including the Grade 3 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs and the El Camino Real at Golden Gate Fields. Also on Saturday, Oaklawn runs the Razorback Handicap. Even though the Razorback is just a grade 3, the purse is $600,000, which means connections for top horses will enter. 

Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, Feb. 12th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks. 

Horse Racing Odds & Picks February 7th Edition

Tampa Bay Downs – Saturday, Feb. 12

Suncoast Stakes – 1 mile 70 yards dirt 3-year-old fillies

Bill Mott and Todd Pletcher should saddle the top two choices. Mott puts the bridle on Outfoxed, first in the listed Gasparilla Stakes in her last. Pletcher saddles Grade 2 Demoiselle winner Nest. No doubt, Nest will offer underlay odds, which means Outfoxed could go off at overlay odds. Keep that in mind when handicapping this race. 

Grade 3 Sam F. Davis Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt  3-year-olds

Second-place Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club sophomore Classic Causeway headlines what should be a full Sam F. Davis field. Classic Causeway figures to battle last out-maiden winner and Mark Casse trained Volcanic for favoritism. Others that will garner action if they run are Make It Big from the Saffie Joseph barn, the ultra-fast Shipsational, and Howling Time trained by Dale Romans. 

Golden Gate Fields – Saturday, Feb. 12

El Camino Real Derby – 1 1/8 miles  3-year-olds

Grade 3 Sham fourth-place finisher McKinnon figures to go off the chalk. American Pharoah sired the Doug O’Neil trained runner. Bob Baffert has a last out maiden winner in Flying Drummer. Jonathan Wong saddles the home track choice in Boise. If Boise offers odds, consider because at Golden Gate, Wong dominates the competition. 

Santa Anita Park – Saturday, Feb. 12

Grade 3 Sweet Life Stakes – 6 ½ furlongs turf  3-year-olds

13 equines are listed as probable for the Grade 3 Sweet Life Stakes. John Sadler has a couple of contenders in Dolly May and Unbridled Mary. Urban, a Simon Callaghan trainee, should also attract action.  

Oaklawn Park – Saturday, Feb. 12

Grade 3 Bayakoa – 1 1/6 miles dirt  4-year-olds and up

Grade 3 Chilukki second-place finisher Matera could go off at odds-on. Not only did Tapit sire, but Brad Cox trains. Cox also trains the likely second-choice, Coach. A Commissioner sired 3-year-old filly, Coach won the listed Pippin Stakes earlier this year. If you want to back a horse that Cox doesn’t train, give Steve Asmussen’s Jilted Bride and Mike McCarthy runner Queen Goddess looks. Asmussen can turn the switch on fillies in any race. Queen Goddess won the Grade 2 American Oaks over the turf in her last. If her form translates to dirt, she can win this.     

Grade 3 Razorback Handicap – 1 1/16 miles dirt   4-year-olds and up  

Tinsel Stakes winner Lone Rock and Fifth Season Stakes winner Rated R Superstar figure to attract the most action. Rated R Superstar is a stone cold closer that depends on a fast-pace. If you don’t believe the pace is fast, consider Plainsman from the Brad Cox barn. Plainsman has finished third in his last couple against much better horses, including Americanrevolution in the Grade 1 Cigar Mile in the last.   

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This Saturday, it’s all about the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, Louisiana. The historic racetrack hosts one of the first major Kentucky Derby prep races of the year. 3-year-olds with visions of roses take to the dirt in the 1 1/16 miles Lecomte Stakes. Also on Saturday’s Fair Grounds card is the Grade 3 Louisiana and three other non-graded stakes races. 

Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, Jan. 22nd. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks. 

Horse Racing Odds & Picks January 17th Edition

Aqueduct Racetrack – Saturday, Jan. 22

Jazil Stakes – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $100,000

We may not know exactly who will run in the Jazil Stakes at Aqueduct on Saturday. What we do know is that whichever horses enter the starting gate, they’re going to break Mr. Buff’s Jazil Stakes winning streak. The 3-time winner has since retired. Don’t be surprised if American Revolution, Wild Banker, and Sea Foam, the top three finishers in October’s Empire Classic, enter the starting gate for this. 

Oaklawn Park – Saturday, Jan. 22

American Beauty Stakes – 6 furlongs dirt – $150,000

The American Beauty Stakes’ $150,000 purse should attract some intriguing runners. Frank’s Rockette won this event last year. The Bill Mott trainee should be back at Oaklawn to defend her title. Don’t be surprised if Grade 2 Thoroughbred Club of America winner Bell’s the One, Center Aisle, and Club Car join her. 

Fair Grounds Racetrack – Saturday, Jan. 22 

Marie G. Krantz Memorial Stakes – 1 1/16 miles turf – $100,000

Connections for at least 12 runners have their eyes on the Mari G. Krantz Memorial Stakes. No doubt, if undefeated Brad Cox runner Janelle Monae enters the starting gate, she’ll go off the chalk. Scorching trainer Brittany Russell could enter a couple in here, Adelaide Miss and Out of Sorts. Neither should challenge Janelle Monae. Both could end up in the exotics, though, which means there’s a way to craft a profitable ticket even if you don’t want to play against the chalk. 

Colonel E.R. Bradley Stakes – 1 1/16 miles turf – $100,000

2021 winner and Joe Sharp trained Logical Myth should be back to defend his Colonel E.R. Bradley Stakes’ title. Logical Myth should be tough to beat. Monarch’s Glen and Forty Under, both from the Mike Maker barn, and Steve Asmussen trained Halo Again should attract plenty of action.   

Silverbulletday Stakes – 1 mile 70 yards dirt – $150,000

Connections for 6 runners have confirmed they will race in the Silverbulletday Stakes. The 6 equines are Albert Stall Jr. trained Fannie and Freddie, Bernabreezy from the Matt Shirer barn, Norm Cash trained Miss Chamita, Steve Asmussen’s La Crete, Keith Desormeaux trainee Candy Raid, and Sweet as Pie from the Todd Pletcher barn.  

Grade 3 Louisiana Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt – $150,000

On Saturday, Kentucky Derby second-place finisher and Haskell winner Mandaloun and Preakness second-place finisher and Travers Stakes second-place finisher Midnight Bourbon return to the racetrack to run in the Grade 3 Louisiana Stakes. No doubt, Mandaloun and Midnight Bourbon will attract the most action. Brad Cox’s other entry, Ohio Derby winner Warrant, deserves a look. 

Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt – $200,000

Saturday’s top graded race pits 3-year-olds going 1 1/16 in the Lecomte Stakes. 9 runners are confirmed, including Steve Asmussen’s Presidential, a Pioneer of the Nile sired last-out maiden winner. The top choice figures to be BC Juvenile second-place runner Pappacap. The Lecomte should send a 3-year-old to the top of the Kentucky Derby rankings.

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The Fair Grounds has a massive Saturday card. Four graded races take place, including the Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra and the first major Kentucky Derby prep of the year, the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes. Also on Saturday at the Fair Grounds, is the Grade 3 Mineshaft. 

Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, Feb. 19th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks. 

Horse Racing Odds & Picks February 14th Edition

Gulfstream Park – Saturday, Feb. 19

Grade 3 Gulfstream Park Sprint – 6 furlongs dirt – 4 year olds and up

Top sprinter Mischievous Alex took last year’s running. This year, Saffie Joseph Jr. trained Drain the Clock figures to go off the chalk with Francatelli, Diamond Oops from the Patrick Biancone barn, Miles Ahead, and Gatsby all in the running to go off second choice. 

Fair Grounds Racetrack – Saturday, Feb. 19

Grade 3 Fair Grounds Stakes – 1 1/8 miles turf – 4 year olds and up

11 horses have entered to run in the Grade 3 Fair Grounds Stakes. Colonel E. Bradley Stakes winner Forty Under will attract some action. The chalk could end up Grade 1 Hollywood Derby second-place finisher Santin. If you’re looking for a dog, consider Largent from the Todd Pletcher barn. Luis Saez picks up the reigns aboard the Into Mischief sired runner.   

Grade 3 Mineshaft Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 4 year olds 

Silver Prospector didn’t run in this past Saturday’s Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn in order to race in the Mineshaft on Saturday. The Steve Asmussen trainee will go off no better than second choice. Title Ready, who ran eighth in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup in his last, and Grade 3 Discovery winner Miles D will also attract action. 

Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 3 year old fillies

Robertino Diodoro will saddle one of the favorites in Grade 2 Golden Rod winner Dream Lith. Dream Lith figures to battle it out with fourth-place Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies finisher Hidden Connection for favoritism. La Crete, the Steve Asmussen trained Silverbulletday winner will get plenty of attention. So will Todd Pletcher trained Goddess of Fire and Doug O’Neil’s runner, Awake at Midnyte.   

Grade 2 Risen Star – 1 1/8 miles dirt – 3 year olds 

Kenny McPeek figures to saddle the favorite to win the Grade 2 Risen Star. Smile Happy won the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club in his last. Doug O’Neil’s Slow Down Andy won the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity in his last and will get plenty of attention. So will Zandon from the Chad Brown barn and Steve Asmussen trained Epicenter.  

Santa Anita Park – Sunday, Feb. 20

Grade 3 San Simeon Stakes – 6 ½ furlongs turf – 4 year olds and up

The San Simeon could see a full field of 12 horses. California Flag Handicap winner Indian Peak returns to sprinting. Don’t surprised if the Ruben Alvarado trained runner goes off the favorite. Team Merchants, from the Doug O’Neil barn, Carlo Gaines trained Mesut, Richard Mandella trained Bombard, and another Alvarado runner, Commander, should also attract action. 

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