Don’t blink. The “greatest two minutes in sports” is here. After a year of controversy, the sport would like a normal day of racing at the Kentucky Derby to ease the minds of fans and bettors. So, what are the odds for the Kentucky Derby?
Let’s not forget, betting is integral to the derby and the sport in general. Of course, as sports gambling becomes more commonplace, it’s hard to avoid it in most sports, but it’s not always the main storyline. In horse racing, you better believe that the payouts are more important than the bright outfits.
There is no runaway favorite in this derby. What does that mean? There are a couple of horses that have a great shot at winning and bettors will likely have a nice time spreading their bets all around the board and hoping to connect on a winner.
Last year, Medina Spirit was the winner at 12-1. Now, did the Derby find an illegal drug in the horse’s system? Yes. Did bettors who won on Medina Spirit keep their winnings? Yes. So even if your horse happens to be doping, you can still win a nice payday at the track.
One thing to focus on this year is that there will be no Bob Baffert. He is the sport’s greatest horse trainer, but he was the trainer of Medina Spirit. The sport suspended him for 90 days after Medina Spirit died in February and Churchill Downs, where the Derby is run, suspended Baffert for two years.
It could be in an effort to make the sport feel more safe, maybe less slimy, but we have become accustomed to seeing Baffert at the end of the races, smiling from ear-to-ear as a winner. None of his horses, nor he, will be present, so it presents a great opportunity for many other trainers to bring home a win.
If you’re planning to host a race watch party, here are some great food and drink recipes that are Kentucky Derby inspired. So, while you may not be at the track, you can party as if you are.
Now, let’s go over some serious horses that you should consider betting on and maybe even a few that deserve a bet because of their names.
Mo Donegal: 10-1
In the first position is Mo Donegal. He is going to have some traffic he will have to run through if he has any shot and starting at the first pole position is tough to overcome.
Messier: 8-1
He won in February and wants to win in Louisville. He is an accomplished horse and could be deemed for greatness.
Zandon: 3-1
Ah yes, the actual betting favorite. Zandon has 3-1 odds and is coming off a win in October at Belmont and has shown improvement in every race he has participated in.
Epicenter: 7-2
Right behind Zandon is Epicenter. He is trained by Steve Asmussen, one of the best trainers in the entire sport. Epicenter has won in four of its last five races. If there ever was a horse that was born a winner, this is him.
Great Names:
Smile Happy (20-1), Happy Jack (30-1) Cyberknife (20-1), Tiz the Bomb (30-1)
So, be sure to place your bets! What are the odds for the Kentucky Derby that you might win?