Betting the Kentucky Derby Contenders

Wide Open 142nd Running of Kentucky Derby

The most exciting two minutes in sports is ready to run as the 2016 Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, May 7th at Churchill Downs. While the sites and sounds of being at Churchill Downs is exciting, the first Saturday in May is always booming with betting action in Las Vegas. Contests, cocktails, parties and parlays are aplenty at the Hotels and Casino’s Race and Sports books. Many handicapping seminars are offered for free in Las Vegas to race fans. Horse racing experts, including Las Vegas Review Journal contributor and handicapper Richard Eng provide their thoughts and analysis along with various giveaways and promotions.

As a sports handicapper, poker player and bettor, I have an interest in sporting events and the biggest one’s that are promoted in Las Vegas. Whether it’s the Super Bowl, NCAA Tournament, Kentucky Derby, World Series of Poker, Boxing/UFC or other big attractions, Las Vegas usually covers the action and has plenty of parties, promotions and profitable opportunities.

This year I was contracted to provide some information and insight on the Kentucky Derby and profiles on the 20 horses competing in the Run for the Roses. You can click the links  at the bottom of this article for the Derby dozen contenders and horse profiles with my insight and info. Others listed at the site, KentuckyDerbyOnlineBetting.com.  Online wagering available through Churchill Down’s wagering site Twinspires.com.

The last two year’s have had more gifted fields at the Derby, and American Pharoah emerged from the pack to win the Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown last year to lend more excitement and needed following to the sport of kings. This year’s class and race appears to be more wide open.

The betting favorite is Nyquist, who is unbeaten in seven starts. The complete Kentucky Derby post positions and odds were released May 4. Of course, with all the race day and parimutual wagering on Derby day, the odds will change. Here are 8 tips to finding your Kentucky Derby horse as you navigate your way though a big field and tougher race handicap.

Here’s another piece of information as you evaluate the field of 20 and analyze Beyer Speed Figures, class, pace, form, weight, distance and speed. Brisnet has a BRIS speed rating report, and it’s perhaps worth noting that of the last 12 Kentucky Derby winners, 11 had a BRIS speed rating of 97 or higher in their final Derby prep race. Suddenbreakingnews (97) joins Exaggerator (102), Creator (100), Gun Runner (100), Nyquist (97), Destin (97) and Whitmore (97) as the Derby contenders who fit that BRIS speed profile.

During my college years, I worked at a race track and learned to handicap the horses. While I no longer follow the action or handicap the races consistently, I’ve done plenty of reading and research as part of my contract with Churchill Downs to provide horse racing and Kentucky Derby insight. So enjoy some of my thoughts and insight, but know it’s for entertainment purposes only :)!

I’ve got a few tickets in my pocket and will be adding a few more as they near the starting gate. Last year I rode the favorite American Pharoah, but this year I hope for a closer to cruise home to Roses and Riches, as I currently have Exaggerator and Suddenbreakingnews in my bag and hope they can make front page news Sunday morning!

The Kentucky Derby (G1) 

May 7, 2016. Post time: 6:34 p.m. Saturday at Churchill Downs. Purse: $2,391,600. Distance: 1 1/4 miles. TV: NBC. Radio: ESPN 680 in Louisville or HorseRacingRadio.net; Sirius Radio channel 220, XM channel 206 and channel 964 on the SiriusXM app.

If 20 horses start, the winner will earn $1,631,600.

PP horse odds

1. Trojan Nation 50-1

2. Suddenbreakingnews 20-1

3. Creator 10-1

4. Mo Tom 20-1

5. Gun Runner 10-1

6. My Man Sam 20-1

7. Oscar Nominated 20-1

8. Lani 30-1

9. Destin 15-1

10. Whitmore 20-1

11. Exaggerator 8-1

12. Tom’s Ready 30-1

13. Nyquist 3-1

14. Mohaymen 10-1

15. Outwork 15-1

16. Shagaf 20-1

17. Mor Spirit 12-1

18. Majesto 30-1

19. Brody’s Cause 12-1

20. Danzing Candy 15-1