Kentucky Derby odds list three horses as the main contenders.
The favorite in Kentucky Derby betting is Eskenderya and he is followed in the wagering by Lookin at Lucky and Sidney’s Candy.
Kentucky Derby odds are likely to list Eskenderya at about 9-5 to win the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 1st. The horse has been extremely impressive in wins in the Fountain of Youth and in the Wood Memorial. His pedigree is excellent as he is the son of Storm Cat out of a Seattle Slew mare. He is owned by Zayat Stables and trained by the great Todd Pletcher. His jockey is John Velazquez and he is a veteran who knows how to win. Eskenderya is the son of Unbridled’s Song and out of a Seattle Slew mare so he should have no distance concerns.
Lookin at Lucky is likely to be the second choice in Kentucky Derby odds. He was the favorite in the Santa Anita Derby but got a terrible trip and a terrible ride by jockey Garrett Gomez. He is trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert. The concern for this horse is that he has lost twice when the field of horses is 10 or more. Does the horse have enough talent to survive a traffic jam in the Derby?
Sidney’s Candy is an interesting colt who won the Santa Anita Derby by almost five lengths. He will be ridden by the young superstar jockey Joe Talamo. He is owned by the Jenny Craig family and trained by John Sadler.
It will be interesting to watch this horse in the Derby and whether he fights for the lead. The last horse to lead wire to wire and win the Derby was War Emblem in 2002. The other concern for this horse in Kentucky Derby betting is whether or not he can handle the dirt.
There will be probably be a full field of 20 horses in Kentucky Derby odds but there are only three main contenders. Eskenderya is the solid favorite while Lookin at Lucky and Sidney’s Candy have a chance. The Kentucky Derby has been known throughout history as a race for longshots but in recent years the favorites have done okay including Big Brown who won a couple of years ago. Many are comparing Eskenderya to Big Brown in Kentucky Derby odds.