Although things are nowhere near back to normal, progress is apparent. One sign of better times comes in the form of the Kentucky Derby. This year the Run for the Roses returns to its traditional spot on the sports calendar. First Saturday in May is more than a moniker. It is a sacred ritual for gamblers with the 2021 Kentucky Derby Odds. COVID-19 forced the 2020 Kentucky Derby to take place on Labor Day weekend. In like manner to the November Masters Tournament, it just wasn’t the same. Gamblers can hardly wait for their Saturday mint juleps!
2021 Kentucky Derby
| Date and Time: | Saturday, May 1, 2021, 5:50 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky |
| TV Coverage: | NBC |
2021 Kentucky Derby Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Essential Quality | 5/2 |
| Hot Rod Charlie | 6/1 |
| Medina Spirit | 8/1 |
| Rock Your World | 8/1 |
| Known Agenda | 12/1 |
| Highly Motivated | 15/1 |
| Mandaloun | 15/1 |
| Midnight Bourbon | 15/1 |
| Super Stock | 20/1 |
| Bourbonic | 30/1 |
| Dynamic One | 30/1 |
| Soup and Sandwich | 30/1 |
| Helium | 30/1 |
| Hidden Stash | 50/1 |
| Like the King | 50/1 |
| Sainthood | 50/1 |
| All Other Entries | 100/1 or Greater |
2021 Kentucky Derby SBG Odds Overview
At the onset of Kentucky Derby season, Essential Quality emerged as the offshore bookmaker favorite. And nothing has changed during the prep race season to change that. However, this leads to the Golden Rule of Kentucky Derby handicapping. Don’t blindly follow media hype or chase chalk. No other horse race can match the quality of competition for the Kentucky Derby. It’s the most coveted race annual race held in the world. Consider the many times the betting favorite failed to deliver at Churchill Downs. This means that there are several quality choices available at better prices than Essential Quality.
The Amateur Hour Factor
First, among many considerations for Kentucky Derby handicapping is casual money. Causal gamblers that know little or nothing about horse racing play the Kentucky Derby. It’s the Super Bowl of horse racing. And where do casual gamblers go for their Kentucky Derby prep work? Of course, that’s the mass media. Also, a mass media that’s clueless about horse racing. All of which affect the betting line. And why Essential Quality will continue to inflate in price.
Kentucky Derby Betting Considerations
Could Essential Quality win the Kentucky Derby? Absolutely he can. That is not the point. For gamblers that must take the chalk, they’ll have to consider pairing it up with other horses. Cause by Essential Quality not bringing enough wagering value for a big score. To some bettors, that’s not a problem. But for those wanting a shot at big money, Essential Quality will serve as a cornerstone to other bets. And that is where the possibilities border on being endless.
The Baffert Effect
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert is the biggest name in the game. And rightfully so. In comparison, Baffert is the Bill Belichick of horse trainers. Baffert has six careers Kentucky Derby wins, including 2020. He won the Triple Crown in 2015 and 2018. In fact, Baffert ended the Triple Crown drought that began after Affirmed won it in 1978. Baffert will get a ton of media attention this week. As a result, Medina Spirit is going to draw significant activity with the 2021 Kentucky Derby Odds.
What To Do This Week
As Kentucky Derby week begins, the smart gamblers will take time to study the entire field. Following that, they shouldn’t get caught up in media hype. Independent thought is key for the Kentucky Derby.