The first Saturday in May means one thing to horse racing bettors: the Kentucky Derby. The Run for the Roses is one month away from kicking off Triple Crown season. While we’re still working our way through the prep races, we’re starting to get an idea of who’ll be contending. Keep an eye on the big races in April to get a better idea of what will happen in May, but for now, here’s an early look at the 2017 Kentucky Derby betting odds.
McCraken (6/1) is the favourite and is undefeated in his four career starts. His most recent victory came from the Grade 3 Sam F. Davis Stakes. His showing at the Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes on April 8 will be very important for his Kentucky Derby odds. He was sired by the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, Ghostzapper.
Tapwrit (7/1) will also be competing at the Blue Grass this weekend. He won the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby and finished second at the Sam F. Davis, a race in which he closed the gap quickly on McCracken down the stretch.
Always Dreaming (7/1) has won all three of his 2017 starts, taking an allowance race followed by the Grade 1 Florida Derby. He’s been improving with each race.
Gunnevera (10/1) finished third at the Florida Derby. Prior to that, he had won the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes and placed second at the Grade 2 Holy Bull Stakes. He has three graded stakes wins under his belt and has finished in the money in five of his last six races.
Girvin (10/1) has three wins and a second-place finish on his resume, including a victory at the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby this month. He faded late in that race but in his defense, he hadn’t raced in a while. That’s something to watch on the road to Churchill Downs.
One Liner (11/1) has won all three of his career starts, including the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes. The colt is surrounded by a good team. John R. Velazquez, winner of the 2011 Kentucky Derby, will be in the saddle, and seven-time Trainer of the Year award winner Todd Pletcher is also on the team.
Classic Empire (12/1) finished third at the Holy Bull, which was his first start since winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He’s probable for the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby on April 15.
Malagacy (12/1) is also probable for the Arkansas Derby. He’s new to the horse racing scene, having broken his maiden this January. He’s competed in three races thus far and won them all, including the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes.
*Odds as of April 7, 2017