Horse racing fans, it’s almost post time! As April comes to a close, horse racing aficionados around the country, and world, are getting psyched up for the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby. Corporate sponsors are getting accommodations settled, tents pitched 🙂 , and Mint Juleps on ice. So who are the top contenders as we head towards Saturday?
Kentucky Derby 2009 Favorites – Kentucky Derby Betting
- Friesan Fire: Trainer Larry Jones and Jockey Gabriel Saez – Friesan Fire is definitely a top horse in this race. Most oddsmakers are favoring Friesan to take the Derby by storm, especially since this horse is under the tutelage of Jones and ownership of Vinery Stables and Fox Hill Farm
- I Want Revenge: Trainer Jeff Mullins and Jockey Joe Talamo – Another crowd favorite for sure, I Want Revenge looks strong and has been well prepared for the Derby. Owned by David J. Lanzman & IEAH Stables, I Want Revenge might be worth your money.
- Dunkirk: Trainer Todd Pletcher and Jockey Edgar Prado – Dunkirk could be a surprise this Saturday, and if nothing else, might be among the top 3. Dunkirk/I Want Revenge or Dunkirk/Friesan Fire might be a good quinella bet. Owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith.
- Mr. Hot Stuff: Trainer Eoin Harty and Jockey Corey Nakatani – One of a pair of entries from owners Winstar Farms LLC, this horse may indeed have the “right stuff” for this year’s Derby Crown. Either way Winstar Farms has to be proud of their dual entries in the race.
- Advice: Trainer Todd Pletcher and Jockey Rene Douglas – The other part of the Winstar Duo, our advice is not to count this one out. Trainer Todd Pletcher has had his hands full with Dunkirk, Join in the Dance, and Advice; which is an amazing achievement itself. Few have ever had 3 horses in the Derby at once.
- Musket Man: Trainer Derek Ryan and Jocket Eibar Coa – Owners Eric Fein and Vic Carlson have high hopes for Musket Man when the gates open. Another contender for the top 3 for sure, Musket Man is a strong thoroughbred that has a lot of potential.
Some other random Kentucky Derby Notes:
1. Course record is still held by Secretariat, with the most recent attempt made by Monarchos in 2001 who missed the mark by hundredths of secords.
2. Purse is a health $2,000,000 USD, a nice prize especially for this economy.
3. Grade: The Kentucky Derby is Grade 1 Thoroughbred horses.
4. The length of the race is 1 1/4 miles.
5. Both male and female horses can compete.
6. The race is for 3 year old horses.