2024 Kentucky Derby Betting Analysis, Preview & Picks (05/04/2024)

2024 Kentucky Derby Betting Analysis, Preview & Picks (05-04-2024)

The race for the Triple Crown begins on Saturday with the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Last year’s best shot at seeing a Triple Crown winner was lost before the first leg of the three marquee races. Namely, Forte was the Kentucky Derby favorite but was scratched the morning of the Kentucky Derby due to a foot injury. Yet Forte’s owner, Mike Repole, has the 2024 Kentucky Derby Odds favorite yet again entering the 2024 Run for the Roses. To illuminate, Repole seeks his first Kentucky Derby victory. Repole owns Fierceness, the 3-1 favorite in the 2024 Kentucky Derby odds.

2024 Kentucky Derby

Date and Time:Saturday, May 4, 2024
Location:Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
TV Coverage:NBC

2024 Kentucky Derby Odds

HorseOdds
Fierceness3-1
Sierra Leone7-2
Dornoch10-1
Honor Marie10-1
Forever Young11-1
Catching Freedom12-1
Mystik Dan16-1
Just a Touch20-1
Track Phantom20-1
Resilience20-1
Stronghold25-1
Domestic Product26-1
Just Steel30-1
West Saratoga40-1
Catalytic45-1
Endlessly50-1
Common Defense65-1
Encino65-1
Society Man65-1
Grand Mo the First100-1
Uncle Heavy125-1
TO Password125-1

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2024 Kentucky Derby SBG Odds Overview

Florida Derby winner Fierceness has been named the 3-1 morning-line favorite for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Specifically trained by Todd Pletcher, Fierceness got the No. 17 post in a field of 20. The online betting draw was held Saturday night for the $5 million Grade 1 Kentucky Derby.

Also, Blue Grass Stakes winner Sierra Leone, trained by Chad Brown, is the No. 2 choice in the morning line at 7-2 odds. Sierra Leone drew the No. 2 post. In sum, 22 horses were entered, with Epic Ride and Mugatu on the also-eligible list. Suppose one of the top 20 horses is scratched before 9 a.m. Friday, a horse on the also-eligible list can take his place.

2024 Kentucky Derby SBG Odds Free Picks

Although the 17 has never won the Derby (0 for 44), Fierceness could be ideally situated from the outside of other speed horses. Fierceness’ owner, Mike Repole, has had terrible luck at the Kentucky Derby. Consider that none of his seven horses who have reached the starting gate have placed. In 2011, his heavy favorite Uncle Mo scratched the day before the race with a gastrointestinal illness. And then another 2024 Kentucky Derby Odds favorite, Forte, was scratched last year by track vets due to a bruised hoof.

But this week, Repole is back. To illuminate, he sat front and center in the first public draw in Derby history. The horses matched their gates in a picturesque outdoor setting beneath the iconic twin spires atop the refurbished paddock terrace.

Previously, the post-draw has never been beholden to one particular day or time. The switch to Saturday was largely for practical purposes. Most importantly, it gives bettors and handicappers more time to consider the horses and the odds. Additionally, the draw required horses to be at Churchill Downs by Saturday. In turn that provides veterinary access to the entrants for a full week. Last year’s Derby saw five horses, including Repole’s Forte, scratched before the race. Also, 12 horses died in the days surrounding the race.

But moving the draw offered a few other bonuses as well. It gave the festivities the feeling of an official kickoff for the first time. To show, organizers moved it to Saturday and brought it to the people. Owners and trainers gathered in a roped-off area and sipped bourbon delivered by waiters. At the same time, fans stood four to five deep to watch, and others leaned over the rails from the private clubs above the paddock.

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