To begin with anticipation is reaching a fever pitch for “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports.” Saturday, May 4 marks the running of the Kentucky Derby. A clear difference exists between this race that has been run continuously since 1875 and any other race. No horse race has more history, ritual, tradition, and attendance. Simultaneously Kentucky Derby betting brings more action than any other race on the calendar. And the 2019 version of the “Run for the Roses” figures to be among the most competitive in history. The world’s top three-year old horses will Run for the Roses.
Game Winner
Game Winner has opened as the 2019 Kentucky Derby betting favorite at 11/4. On the whole it’s quite understandable why Game Winner has emerged as the favorite. Already this colt has brought in $1,460,000 in earnings and has a record of four wins with one second place finish. Last time out Game Winner finished second in the Rebel Stakes on March 16, 2019. Prior to that he was the winner of the Grade One Sentient Jet Breeders Cup Juvenile. It was that win in the Breeders Cup that garnered considerable attention. Also impressing is that Bob Baffert is the trainer.
Improbable
Next as a 21/4 sportsbook choice is Improbable. In the same way as Game Winner, Improbable is trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert. Improbable has a total of $289,520 in career earnings and is coming off a second-place finish at the Rebel Stakes on March 16. Most important of all is that this chestnut colt won three races in a row prior to the Rebel Stakes. The biggest win was on December 8, 2018 in the Grade I Los Alamitos Cash Call Futurity.
Instagrand
Additionally, at the top of the Kentucky Derby betting board is Instagrand at 21/4. Instagrand is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer and has a total of $156,000 in career earnings. Last time out for Instagrand was a third-place finish in the Grade III Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct. However, on August 11, 2018 Instagrand was the winner of the Grade II Best Pal at Del Mar. And it was that win at the Best Pal that has garnered the attention of the gambling public.
Omaha Beach
Omaha Beach is a 15/2 choice to win the Kentucky Derby and brings $450,000 in earnings. Richard E Mandella is the trainer of Omaha Beach. Last time out on March 16 Omaha Beach posted a win the Grade II Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Since that win in the Rebel the needle has been moved by horse players to Omaha Beach.
Hidden Scroll
Hidden Scroll is another popular choice at 8/1. Starting with respected trainer William I Mott is a marquee of credibility. At first Hidden Scroll has failed to provide much in the way of a winning record. Balanced against that is the potential that experts see for this colt.
Plus Que Parfait
Plus Que Parfait is at 15/1 and that is likely to change quickly. As a matter of fact, this Brendan P Walsh trained chestnut ridgeling has already amassed $1,540,400 in earnings. By contrast Plus Que Parfait was a shockingly bad 13th place finish in the Risen Star Stakes on February 16, 2019. In spite of that Plus Que Parfait posted a win in the Grade II UAE Derby on March 30, 2019.